human
That's as may be,
gpt
Don't keep me in suspense, Felix.
human
The long and the short of it is that I'm going to take Marie off.
gpt
Oh, Felix.
human
You said you thought it was the right thing to do;--and therefore I'm going to do it. The worst of it is that one wants such a lot of money for this kind of thing.
gpt
But when?
human
Immediately. I wouldn't tell you till I had arranged everything. I've had it in my mind for the last fortnight.
gpt
And how is it to be? Oh, Felix, I hope it may succeed.
human
It was your own idea, you know. We're going to;--where do you think?
gpt
How can I think?--Boulogne.
human
You say that just because Goldsheiner went there. That wouldn't have done at all for us. We're going to--New York.
gpt
To New York! But when will you be married?
human
There will be a clergyman on board. It's all fixed. I wouldn't go without telling you.
gpt
Oh; I wish you hadn't told me.
human
Come now;--that's kind. You don't mean to say it wasn't you that put me up to it. I've got to get my things ready.
gpt
Of course, if you tell me that you are going on a journey, I will have your clothes got ready for you. When do you start?
human
Wednesday afternoon.
gpt
For New York! We must get some things ready-made. Oh, Felix, how will it be if he does not forgive her? He attempted to laugh.
human
When I spoke of such a thing as possible he had not sworn then that he would never give her a shilling.
gpt
They always say that.
human
You are going to risk it?
gpt
I am going to take your advice. This was dreadful to the poor mother.
human
There is money settled on her.
gpt
Settled on whom?
human
On Marie;--money which he can't get back again.
gpt
How much?
human
She doesn't know;--but a great deal; enough for them all to live upon if things went amiss with them.
gpt
But that's only a form, Felix. That money can't be her own, to give to her husband.
human
Melmotte will find that it is, unless he comes to terms. That's the pull we've got over him. Marie knows what she's about. She's a great deal sharper than any one would take her to be. What can you do for me about money, mother?
gpt
I have none, Felix.
human
I thought you'd be sure to help me, as you wanted me so much to do it.
gpt
That's not true, Felix. I didn't want you to do it. Oh, I am so sorry that that word ever passed my mouth! I have no money. There isn't ú20 at the bank altogether.
human
They would let you overdraw for ú50 or ú60.
gpt
I will not do it. I will not starve myself and Hetta. You had ever so much money only lately. I will get some things for you, and pay for them as I can if you cannot pay for them after your marriage;--but I have not money to give you.
human
That's a blue look out, said he, turning himself in his chair,--
gpt
I will do no such thing, Felix. ú50 or ú60 would make very little difference in the expense of such a trip as this. I suppose you have some money?
human
Some;--yes, some. But I'm so short that any little thing would help me.