human
My dear fellow, you don't look the better for your trip; I am sorry to see you so broken down.
gpt
I have a good deal to try me, said Ogilvie;
human
Of her accident? exclaimed Acland;
gpt
She had.
human
Take a chair, won't you, Ogilvie?
gpt
I judged from Mrs. Ogilvie's note that there was nothing serious the matter. I hope I am not mistaken.
human
You are mistaken, replied Ogilvie;
gpt
Certainly,
human
Leave us, said Acland to the man,
gpt
he added as the clerk withdrew,
human
I am quite at your service.
gpt
Thank you. There is a little business which has just come to my ears, and which I wish to arrange quickly. My wife tells me that she has borrowed two thousand pounds from you in order to pay a deposit on the place on the Thames called Silverbel.
human
Yes, the place where your wife is now staying.
gpt
Exactly.
human
I hope you approve of Silverbel, Ogilvie; it is really cheap at the price; and, of course, everyone knows that you have returned a very rich man. It would have been pleasanter for me had you been at home when the purchase was made, but Mrs. Ogilvie was insistent. She had taken a strong fancy to the place. There were several other less expensive country places in the market, but the only one which would please her was Silverbel. I cabled to you, but got no reply. Your wife implored me to act, and I lent her the deposit. The purchase must be completed at the end of October, in about a month from now. I hope you don't blame me, Ogilvie?
gpt
I don't blame you--I understand my wife. It would have been difficult to refuse her. Of course, had you done so matters might have been a little easier for me now. As it is, I will pay you back the deposit. I have my cheque-book with me.
human
What do you mean?
gpt
I should like to write a cheque for you now. I must get this matter put straight, and, Acland, you must find another purchaser.
human
Not really! cried Mr. Acland.
gpt
The place is beautiful, and cheap at the price, and you have come back a rich man.
human
On the contrary, I have returned to England practically a pauper.
gpt
No! cried Mr. Acland;
human
Hush, you will know all soon. It is sufficient for you at present to receive the news in all confidence that I am a ruined man. Not that it matters. There will be a trifle for my wife--nothing else concerns me. May I fill in this cheque?
gpt
You can do so, of course, replied Acland.
human
I shall receive the money in full sooner or later from the other purchaser, and then you can have it back.
gpt
It would be a satisfaction to me, however, to pay you the deposit you lent my wife at once.
human
Very well.
gpt
You had better see Mrs. Ogilvie with regard to this, he said, as he stood up.
human
You transacted the business with her, and you must break to her what I have already done, but what I fear she fails to believe, that the purchase cannot possibly go on. It will not be in my power, Acland, to complete it, even if I should be alive at the time.
gpt
I know another man only too anxious to purchase, said Acland;
human
Yes, quite a failure. I won't detain you any longer now. I may need your services again presently.