human
It's only his will I'm anxious to know about; that, and where he's put away all his money. Think what a dreadful thing it would be for his heirs if he were to go and die suddenly, and none of us to know where his investments are. As for the shop, that is already disposed of, as I dare say you know.
gpt
Disposed of? The shop disposed of! Oh, Lord! The assistant turned pale.
human
Oh, Mr. Joseph, he asked earnestly,
gpt
I am to have it, Mr. Joseph replied calmly. This was the lie absolute, and he invented it very cleverly and at the right moment--a thing which gives strength and life to a lie, because he already suspected the truth and guessed the secret hope and ambition which possesses every ambitious assistant in this trade--namely, to get the succession. Mr. James looked upon himself as the lawful and rightful heir to the business. But sometimes he entertained grievous doubts, and now indeed his heart sunk into his boots.
human
I am to have it,
gpt
Oh, I didn't know. You are to have it, then? Oh!