human
I don't believe you'd get out of bed a moment sooner than you liked if you could save the whole property by it.
gpt
You show me how I can make a guinea by it, sir, and see if I don't earn the money.
human
I suppose you were drinking last night,
gpt
Not particular. The old man turned round and gnashed his teeth at him.
human
The fact is, sir, I don't drink. Everybody knows that.
gpt
I know when you're in the country you can't live without champagne. Well;--what have you got to say about all this?
human
What have you got to say?
gpt
You've made a pretty kettle of fish of it.
human
I've been guided by you in everything. Come, now; you ought to own that. I suppose the whole thing is over?
gpt
I don't see why it should be over. I'm told she has got her own money. Then Nidderdale described to his father Melmotte's behaviour in the House on the preceding evening.
human
What the devil does that matter? said the old man.
gpt
You're not going to marry the man himself.
human
I shouldn't wonder if he's in gaol now.
gpt
And what does that matter? She's not in gaol. And if the money is hers, she can't lose it because he goes to prison. Beggars mustn't be choosers. How do you mean to live if you don't marry this girl?
human
I shall scrape on, I suppose. I must look for somebody else. The Marquis showed very plainly by his demeanour that he did not give his son much credit either for diligence or for ingenuity in making such a search.
gpt
At any rate, sir, I can't marry the daughter of a man who is to be put upon his trial for forgery.
human
I can't see what that has to do with you.
gpt
I couldn't do it, sir. I'd do anything else to oblige you, but I couldn't do that. And, moreover, I don't believe in the money.
human
Then you may just go to the devil, said the old Marquis turning himself round in his chair, and lighting a cigar as he took up the newspaper. Nidderdale went on with his breakfast with perfect equanimity, and when he had finished lighted his cigar.
gpt
They tell me, said the old man,
human
A Jewess,
gpt
What difference does that make?
human
What difference does that make?
gpt
Oh no;--not in the least;--if the money's really there. Have you heard any sum named, sir? The old man only grunted.
human
There are two sisters and two brothers. I don't suppose the girls would have a hundred thousand each.
gpt
They say the widow of that brewer who died the other day has about twenty thousand a year.
human
It's only for her life, sir.
gpt
She could insure her life. D----me, sir, we must do something. If you turn up your nose at one woman after another how do you mean to live?
human
I don't think that a woman of forty with only a life interest would be a good speculation. Of course I'll think of it if you press it. The old man growled again.
gpt
You see, sir, I've been so much in earnest about this girl that I haven't thought of inquiring about any one else. There always is some one up with a lot of money. It's a pity there shouldn't be a regular statement published with the amount of money, and what is expected in return. It 'd save a deal of trouble.
human
If you can't talk more seriously than that you'd better go away,
gpt
I believe, my lord, he's one of the domestics from Mr. Melmotte's in Bruton Street, said the footman, who was no doubt fully acquainted with all the circumstances of Lord Nidderdale's engagement. The son, who was still smoking, looked at his father as though in doubt.
human
You'd better go and see, said the Marquis. But Nidderdale before he went asked a question as to what he had better do if Melmotte had sent for him.
gpt
Go and see Melmotte. Why should you be afraid to see him? Tell him that you are ready to marry the girl if you can see the money down, but that you won't stir a step till it has been actually paid over.
human
He knows that already,
gpt
Is there anything the matter?
human
Yes, my lord,--yes. Oh, dear,--oh, dear! I think you'll be sorry to hear it. There was none who came there he seemed to take to so much as your lordship.
gpt
They've taken him to prison! exclaimed Nidderdale. But the man shook his head.
human
What is it then? He can't be dead. Then the man nodded his head, and, putting his hand up to his face, burst into tears.
gpt
Mr. Melmotte dead! He was in the House of Commons last night. I saw him myself. How did he die?