human
Well?
gpt
Why do you say that?
human
I was only wondering if Lady Helen had done it.
gpt
Really, Sibyl, you say very queer things,
human
Oh, you know you are awfully fond of her, and you want her to marry you, and I want her to marry you because I like you. You are very nice, very nice indeed, and you are rich, you know. Mother has been 'splaining to me about rich people. It's most 'portant that everybody should be rich, isn't it, Mr. Rochester? It's the only way to be truly, truly happy, isn't it?
gpt
That it is not, Sibyl. Who has been putting such an idea into your head?
human
Why, mother,
gpt
When my own father comes back again we'll all be rich people. I hope when you are very, very rich you'll make, she said,
human
Something about a gold mine. Your father is a great engineer, and his opinion with regard to the mine will be of the utmost value. If he says it is a good mine, with a lot of gold in it, then the British public will buy shares. They will buy shares as fast as ever they can.
gpt
What are shares?
human
It is difficult to explain. Shares mean a little bit of the gold out of the mine, and these people will buy them in order to become rich.
gpt
It's very puzzling, said Sibyl.
human
And it depends on father?
gpt
Yes, because if he says there is not much gold in the mine, then no one will buy shares. Don't you understand, it all depends on him.
human
It's _very_ puzzling, said Sibyl again.
gpt
Are you going to buy shares, Mr. Rochester?
human
I think so, he answered earnestly.
gpt
I shall buy several shares, I think, and if I do I shall be rich enough to ask Lady Helen to marry me.
human
And you will be happy?
gpt
Very happy if she says 'yes.' But, Sibyl, this is a great secret between you and me, you must never tell it to anyone else.
human
You may trust me, said Sibyl,
gpt
I never tell things I'm told not to tell. You can't think what wonderful 'portant things father has told me, and I never, never speak of them again. Then you'll be glad to be rich?
human
Yes, because I shall be happy if Lady Helen is my wife,