human
Is anything going to happen, Melmotte?
gpt
A good deal is going to happen. Are they here in this house, or in Grosvenor Square?
human
They are here.
gpt
Then have them all packed up,--as small as you can; never mind about wool and cases and all that. Have them close to your hand so that if you have to move you can take them with you. Do you understand?
human
Yes; I understand.
gpt
Why don't you speak, then?
human
What is going to happen, Melmotte?
gpt
How can I tell? You ought to know by this time that when a man's work is such as mine, things will happen. You'll be safe enough. Nothing can hurt you.
human
Can they hurt you, Melmotte?
gpt
Hurt me! I don't know what you call hurting. Whatever there is to be borne, I suppose it is I must bear it. I have not had it very soft all my life hitherto, and I don't think it's going to be very soft now.
human
Shall we have to move?
gpt
Very likely. Move! What's the harm of moving? You talk of moving as though that were the worst thing that could happen. How would you like to be in some place where they wouldn't let you move?
human
Are they going to send you to prison?
gpt
Hold your tongue.
human
Tell me, Melmotte;--are they going to?
gpt
I didn't ask you to come here for a scene, said Melmotte.
human
Do as I bid you about your own jewels, and Marie's. The thing is to have them in small compass, and that you should not have it to do at the last moment, when you will be flurried and incapable. Now you needn't stay any longer, and it's no good asking any questions because I shan't answer them.