human
Why do you ask, Vin? he said.
gpt
Do you want to find out something further about the old man?
human
I do not, he made answer, in distinct tones.
gpt
I thank goodness my nature is not so suspicious. It seems to me extraordinary that two human beings who have done nothing in the world to deserve it should be regarded with a constant mistrust and doubt. Why? Do you suspect everybody else in the same way?
human
Oh, don’t say that I suspect them, Lord Musselburgh exclaimed at once—for he was an exceedingly good-natured young man and had no wish to offend.
gpt
I don’t know them well enough—don’t know anything at all about them, in fact.
human
You told me yourself that my aunt and you had been talking them over; and I gathered enough from what you said,
gpt
Mrs. Ellison is naturally anxious about anything that concerns your future, Vin—or seems likely to concern it, Musselburgh said.
human
And you should be the last to object.
gpt
But I do object, he said, stiffly.
human
I object altogether to her canvassing the character of any friends of mine; and to her putting her doubts and suspicions and hints about them into any third person’s imaginations. Oh, yes, I could make out quite clearly what she had been saying. That night at Henley she came on a visit of inspection; it was perfectly obvious. And what is more, she came with the hope of having her suspicions confirmed; and I suppose she was horribly disappointed that Maisrie Bethune did not drop her _h_’s, and that Mr. Bethune did not beg the loan of a sovereign from her!
gpt
Why so passionate, Vin—why so indignant?
human
Because I say it is a shame—a monstrous shame, the young man said, with flaming eyes,
gpt
said he, altering his tone,
human
About what?
gpt
About Miss Bethune,
human
Well, I believe she did, Lord Musselburgh admitted.
gpt
For she had just come away from hearing Miss Bethune sing some Canadian song or another; and she was very much struck; and she said she had confessed as much to you. Oh, more than that—I don’t precisely remember the words. But really, Vin, when you come to think of it, you must acknowledge that there is not much guidance as to character, or antecedents, or any thing else, in the mere singing of a song. Mrs. Ellison, who is always posing as a callous woman of the world, is really very sympathetic and generous, and warm-hearted; and she was quite taken captive by the charm and simplicity of this _Claire Fontaine_—is that the name of it?—but at the same time I should not place too great a value—
human
I quite agree with you, the younger man said, interrupting without apology.
gpt
I place no more value on my aunt’s acquittal and commendation than on her previous suspicions. And—and—if you don’t mind, Musselburgh, I would rather not have the question discussed further, nor Miss Bethune’s name mentioned in any way whatsoever.
human
Oh, but remember I said nothing against her, Lord Musselburgh finally added, in perfect good humour.
gpt
How could I? I hope your new friends are all you think them; and as for the young lady, it is difficult to believe any harm of so refined and sweet a face. But I hope you won’t concern yourself too much with them, Vin; you have other, and perhaps more serious, interests in life; and it seems to me that everything promises well for you. Why, at this moment, man, don’t you know what ought to be occupying all your attention?
human
What?
gpt
At least I know what I should be thinking of if I were in your shoes. I should be wondering how much space the editor of the _Mendover Weekly Guardian_ was going to give me on Saturday morning next.
human
Hugh Anstruther, Esq., _Western Scotsman_ Office, New York, U.S.A.