human
Miss Drummond,
gpt
Mr Faithful, replied she; and then, after a break--
human
How very silly this is; I ought to have congratulated you upon your safe return, and upon your good fortune; and, indeed, Mr Faithful, no one can do so more sincerely.
gpt
Miss Drummond, replied I, confused,
human
Nay, replied she,
gpt
What?
human
That it is more than you deserve, that's all.
gpt
You have said but the truth, Miss Drummond. I was very proud and very foolish; but I had repented of my folly long before I was pressed; and I candidly acknowledge that I do not merit the good fortune I have met with. Can I say more?
human
No; I am satisfied with your repentance and acknowledgment. So, now you may sit down, and make yourself agreeable.
gpt
Before I do that, allow me to ask, as you address me as Mr Faithful, how am I to address you? I should not wish to be considered impertinent.
human
My name is Miss Drummond, but those who feel intimate with me call me Sarah.
gpt
I may reply that my name is Faithful, but those who feel intimate with me call me Jacob.
human
Very true; but allow me to observe that you show very little tact. You should never force a lady into a corner. If I appear affronted when you call me Sarah, then you will do wise to fall back upon Miss Drummond. But why do you fix your eyes upon me so earnestly?
gpt
I cannot help it, and must beg your pardon; but you are so improved in appearance since I last saw you. I thought no one could be more perfect, but--
human
Well, that's not a bad beginning, Jacob. I like to hear of my perfections. Now follow up your _but_.
gpt
I hardly know what I was going to say, but I think it was that I do not feel as if I ought or can address you otherwise than as Miss Drummond.
human
Oh, you've thought better of it, have you? Well, I begin to think myself that you look so well in your present dress, and have become so very different a person, that I ought not to address you by any other name than Mr Faithful. So now we are agreed.
gpt
That's not what I mean to say.
human
Well, then, let me know what you did mean to say.
gpt
My dear Jacob, said he, in the most friendly manner,
human
I'm delighted to see you back again, and to have the pleasure of congratulating you on your good fortune. But you have business to transact which will not admit of any delay. You must prove the will, and arrange with the lawyers as soon as possible. Will you come now? All the papers are below, and I have the whole morning to spare. We will be back to dinner, Sarah, if Jacob has no other engagement.
gpt
I have none, replied I;