human
Well, I haven't exactly determined. The money, you see, is of no moment to me, and I couldn't get it back any how. He'll never be worth a half-penny, that rascal. I might prosecute, and nobody would blame me; indeed, if I were to decline marrying your sister, and cut the whole set of you, I don't see, and he drew himself up,
gpt
Come, come, I won't disgrace your family; I won't do any thing to harm the fellow.
human
Thank you!
gpt
As for my money, he's welcome to it, and much good may it do him. 'Set a beggar on horseback, and he'll ride to the devil,' and in double quick time too. I won't hinder him. I wash my hands of the young scape-grace. But he'd better not come near me again.
human
No,
gpt
In fact, said Mr. Ascott, with a twinkle of his sharp eye,
human
I have already taken measures to frighten him away, so that he may make himself scarce, and give neither you nor me any farther trouble. I drove up to your door with a policeman, asked to see Mr. Leaf, and when I heard that he was out--a lie, of course I left word I'd be back in half an hour. Depend upon it, and he winked confidentially,
gpt
Never hear of Ascott any more? repeated Hilary; and for an instant she ceased to think of him as what he was--swindler, forger, ungrateful to his benefactors, a disgrace to his home and family. She saw only the boy Ascott, with his bright looks and pleasant ways, whom his aunts had brought up from his cradle, and loved with all his faults--perhaps loved still.
human
Oh, I must go home. This will break Johanna's heart!