human
I failed to understand your letter, he said,
gpt
I thought my meaning plain enough, he replied,
human
For many reasons; amongst others, because I wish to do you a good turn. For your position you are not too well off. This will mean several thousands a year to you, if the vein is as rich as we hope it will be. The alluvial we know is rich. It has washed at five ounces to the ton.
gpt
But if there should not happen to be a rich vein beneath?
human
I see, cried Ogilvie. He was silent for a moment, then he sprang to his feet.
gpt
I have regarded you as my friend for some time, Grayleigh, and there have been moments when I have been proud of your acquaintanceship, but in the name of all that is honorable, and all that is virtuous, why will you mix up a pretended act of benevolence to me with--you know what it means--a fraudulent scheme? You are determined that there shall be a rich vein below the surface. In plain words, if there is not, you want a false assay of the Lombard Deeps. That is the plain English of it, isn't it?
human
Pooh! my dear Ogilvie, you use harsh words. Fraudulent! What does the world--our world I mean--consist of? Those who make money, and those who lose it. It is a great competition of skill--a mere duel of wits. All is fair in love, war, and speculation.
gpt
Your emendation of that old proverb may be _fin de si鐵le_, but it does not suit my notions,
human
You will be sorry for this, he said;
gpt
And what of the poor country parson, the widow, the mechanic? I grant they are fools; but----
human
What is the matter with you? said Lord Grayleigh;
gpt
I don't know that I am scrupulous now. I shall be very glad to assay the mine for you, if I may give you a----
human
We need not enter into that, said Grayleigh, rising;
gpt
And it is that which at once tempts and repels me, said Ogilvie. Then he paused, and said abruptly,
human
How is Sibyl? Have you seen much of her?
gpt
Your little daughter? I saw her twice. Once, when she was very dirty, and rather rude to me, and a second time, when she was the perfection of politeness and good manners.
human
Sibyl is peculiar,
gpt
She is a handsome child, it is a pity she is your only one, Ogilvie.
human
Not at all, answered Ogilvie;
gpt
I never wish for another, she satisfies me completely.
human
Well, to turn to the present matter, said Lord Grayleigh;
gpt
I would rather not.
human
But if I as a personal favor beg you to do so.
gpt
There is not the slightest doubt that the pay tempts me, said Ogilvie;
human
They would be managed. The shareholders will expect to pay the engineer who assays the mine for them handsomely.
gpt
I will assume, he said,
human
Philip Ogilvie, Esq.,