human
Morning Breakfast Table ? Mr. Melmotte undoubtedly was very much engaged. At this moment a deputation from the Canadian Government was with him;--and Sir Gregory Gribe was in the office waiting for a few words. But Miles thought that the Canadian Government would not be long,--and as for Sir Gregory, perhaps his business might be postponed. Miles would do his very best to get an interview for Mr. Longestaffe,--more especially as Mr. Melmotte was so very desirous himself of seeing his friend. It was astonishing that such a one as Miles Grendall should have learned his business so well and should have made himself so handy! We will leave Mr. Longestaffe with the
gpt
Morning Breakfast Table
human
I'll just send him a note, said Mr. Broune, and he scrawled a few words at the office counter.
gpt
I'm commissioned to pay you some money on behalf of Miss Melmotte. Those were the words, and they at once procured him admission to the sanctum. The Canadian Deputation must have taken its leave, and Sir Gregory could hardly have as yet arrived. Lord Nidderdale, who had presented himself almost at the same moment with the Editor, was shown into a little private room,--which was, indeed, Miles Grendall's own retreat.
human
What's up with the Governor?
gpt
Anything particular do you mean? said Miles.
human
There are always so many things up here.
gpt
He has sent for me.
human
Yes,--you'll go in directly. There's that fellow who does the 'Breakfast Table' in with him. I don't know what he's come about. You know what he has sent for you for?
gpt
I suppose all this about Miss Melmotte is true?
human
She did go off yesterday morning,
gpt
But Carbury wasn't with her.
human
Well, no;--I suppose not. He seems to have mulled it. He's such a d---- brute, he'd be sure to go wrong whatever he had in hand.
gpt
You don't like him, of course, Miles. For that matter I've no reason to love him. He couldn't have gone. He staggered out of the club yesterday morning at four o'clock as drunk as Cloe. He'd lost a pot of money, and had been kicking up a row about you for the last hour.
human
Brute!
gpt
I dare say. But though he was able to make a row, I'm sure he couldn't get himself down to Liverpool. And I saw all his things lying about the club hall late last night;--no end of portmanteaux and bags; just what a fellow would take to New York. By George! Fancy taking a girl to New York! It was plucky.
human
It was all her doing,
gpt
What a fiasco! said the young lord,
human
I wonder what the old boy means to say to me about it.
gpt
Breakfast Table to his candidature. But Mr. Broune cut him short.
human
I never talk about the 'Breakfast Table,' said he.
gpt
We endeavour to get along as right as we can, and the less said the soonest mended. Melmotte bowed.
human
I have come now about quite another matter, and perhaps, the less said the sooner mended about that also. Sir Felix Carbury on a late occasion received a sum of money in trust from your daughter. Circumstances have prevented its use in the intended manner, and, therefore, as Sir Felix's friend, I have called to return the money to you.
gpt
Oh, indeed,
human
No doubt you understand all about it.
gpt
Yes;--I understand. D---- scoundrel!
human
We won't discuss that, Mr. Melmotte. I've drawn a cheque myself, payable to your order,--to make the matter all straight. The sum was ú250, I think.
gpt
I dare say it's all right, said Mr. Melmotte.
human
But, remember, I don't think that this absolves him. He has been a scoundrel.
gpt
At any rate he has paid back the money, which chance put into his hands, to the only person entitled to receive it on the young lady's behalf. Good morning. Mr. Melmotte did put out his hand in token of amity. Then Mr. Broune departed and Melmotte tinkled his bell. As Nidderdale was shown in he crumpled up the cheque, and put it into his pocket. He was at once clever enough to perceive that any idea which he might have had of prosecuting Sir Felix must be abandoned.
human
Well, my Lord, and how are you? said he with his pleasantest smile. Nidderdale declared himself to be as fresh as paint.
gpt
You don't look down in the mouth, my Lord.