human
Beg the Baron to wait, unless he would prefer to name his own hour to call again, answered Egerton, with the slightest possible change of color.
gpt
You can say I am now with Lord L'Estrange.
human
I had hoped you had done forever with that deluder of youth, said Harley, as soon as the groom of the chambers had withdrawn.
gpt
I remember that you saw too much of him in the gay time, ere wild oats are sown; but now surely you can never need a loan; and if so, is not Harley L'Estrange by your side?
human
My dear Harley! doubtless he but comes to talk to me of some borough. He has much to do with those delicate negotiations.
gpt
And I have come on the same business. I claim the priority. I not only hear in the world, but I see by the papers, that Josiah Jenkins, Esq., known to fame as an orator who leaves out his h's, and young Lord Willoughby Whiggolin, who is just now made a Lord of the Admiralty, because his health is too delicate for the army, are certain to come in for the city which you and your present colleague will as certainly vacate. That is true, is it not?
human
My old committee now vote for Jenkins and Whiggolin. And I suppose there will not be even a contest. Go on.
gpt
So my father and I are agreed that you must condescend, for the sake of old friendship, to be once more member for Lansmere!
human
Harley, exclaimed Egerton, changing countenance far more than he had done at the announcement of Levy's portentous visit--
gpt
Harley--No, no!
human
No! But why? Wherefore such emotion?
gpt
I suggested the idea to two or three of the late Ministers; they all concur in advising you to accede. In the first place, if declining to stand for the place which tempted you from Lansmere, what more natural than that you should fall back on that earlier representation? In the second place, Lansmere is neither a rotten borough, to be bought, nor a close borough, under one man's nomination. It is a tolerably large constituency. My father, it is true, has considerable interest in it but only what is called the legitimate influence of property. At all events, it is more secure than a contest for a larger town, more dignified than a seat for a smaller. Hesitating still? Even my mother entreats me to say how she desires you to renew that connection.
human
Harley, again exclaimed Egerton; and, fixing upon his friend's earnest face, eyes which, when softened by emotion, were strangely beautiful in their expression:
gpt
Harley, if you could but read my heart at this moment, you would--you would-- His voice faltered, and he fairly bent his proud head upon Harley's shoulder; grasping the hand he had caught, nervously, clingingly:
human
Oh, Harley, if I ever lose your love, your friendship!--nothing else is left to me in the world.
gpt
Audley, my dear, dear Audley, is it you who speak to me thus? You, my school friend, my life's confidant--you?
human
I am grown very weak and foolish, said Egerton, trying to smile.
gpt
I do not know myself. I, too, whom you have so often called 'Stoic,' and likened to the Iron Man in the poem, which you used to read by the river-side at Eton.
human
But even then, my Audley, I knew that a warm human heart (do what you would to keep it down) beat strong under the iron ribs. And I often marvel now, to think you have gone through life so free from the wilder passions. Happier so!