human
I will tell you what James More is meaning, said she.
gpt
He means we have come to you, beggar-folk, and have not behaved to you very well, and we are ashamed of our ingratitude and ill-behaviour. Now we are wanting to go away and be forgotten; and my father will have guided his gear so ill, that we cannot even do that unless you will give us some more alms. For that is what we are, at all events, beggar-folk and sorners.
human
By your leave, Miss Drummond, said I,
gpt
I must speak to your father by myself.
human
You must excuse her, Mr. Balfour, says James More.
gpt
She has no delicacy.
human
I am not here to discuss that with you, said I,
gpt
I bid you beware. I will stand no more baiting, he broke out.
human
I am sick of her and you. What kind of a damned trade is this to be a parent! I have had expressions used to me---- There he broke off.
gpt
Sir, this is the heart of a soldier and a parent, he went on again, laying his hand on his bosom,
human
If you would have let me finish, says I,
gpt
My dear friend, he cried,
human
I know I might have relied upon the generosity of your character.
gpt
Man! will you let me speak? said I.
human
The fact is that I cannot win to find out if you are rich or poor. But it is my idea that your means, as they are mysterious in their source, so they are something insufficient in amount; and I do not choose your daughter to be lacking. If I durst speak to herself, you may be certain I would never dream of trusting it to you; because I know you like the back of my hand, and all your blustering talk is that much wind to me. However, I believe in your way you do still care something for your daughter after all; and I must just be doing with that ground of confidence, such as it is.