human
I _must_ have a word with you, my dear sir. It is of importance,
gpt
My dear sir, said the little man, seizing his hand,
human
I congratulate you.
gpt
You're very kind, but pray, explain why.
human
I find that you are heir to a considerable fortune.
gpt
How's that?
human
Well, you remember Hardy's will, which you put into my hands a few days ago?
gpt
Yes; what then? _That_ can't be the fortune!
human
Indeed it is. Hardy, you remember, made you his residuary legatee. I find, on inquiry, that the old cousin you told me about, who meant to leave all his money to build a hospital, changed his mind at the last and made out a will in favour of Hardy, who was his only relative. So, you see, you, being Hardy's heir, have come into possession of something like two thousand a year.
gpt
Is that all?
human
Upon my word, sir, said the `kind little lawyer,' in a blaze of astonishment,
gpt
You mistake me, returned Miles, with a laugh.
human
I don't mean `is that all the fortune?' but `is that all you have to say?'
gpt
It is, and to my mind I have said a good deal.
human
You certainly have. And, believe me, I am not indifferent or unthankful, but--but--the fact is, that at present I am _particularly_ engaged. Good-bye, and thank you.
gpt
I've done it, mother!
human
Miles! said the startled lady, with a reproachful look,
gpt
I thought you said that nothing would induce you--
human
Circumstances have altered, mother. I have had a long consultation with your `kind little lawyer,' and he has related some interesting facts to me.
gpt
So, you see, I went and proposed at once--not to the lawyer--to Marion.
human
And was accepted?
gpt
Well--yes. I could hardly believe it at the time. I scarcely believe it now, so I'm going back this afternoon to make quite sure.
human
I congratulate you, my darling boy, for a good wife is God's best gift to man.
gpt
How do you know she is good, mother?
human
I know it, because--I know it! Anybody looking in her face can _see_ it. And with two thousand a year, why--
gpt
One thousand, mother.
human
I thought you said two, my son.
gpt
So I did. That is the amount of the fortune left by the eccentric old hospital-for-incurables founder. When poor Hardy made out his will he made me residuary legatee because the trifle he had to leave--his kit, etcetera,--was not worth dividing between me and Armstrong. If it had been worth much he would have divided it. It is therefore my duty now to divide it with my friend.