human
The first point to be considered is your own position. Concerning the situation we spoke of, I think I can promise to keep you on as my--what you might call _business_ secretary. As to a private secretary, I don't have much private correspondence, and what I have, I can pretty well manage myself. I should expect you to take a journey now and then into foreign parts if necessary. Terms as before. But I tell you frankly, I see no immediate prospect of a rise for you. If you went to Buenos Ayres you might have a chance--only a chance, of course--of getting into something on your own account. One 'ud be steady as far as it went; the other 'ud be like what you might call a throw of the dice at backgammon--chance _and_ play. It's for you to choose. With regard to Mrs. Bransby, I--of course----Look here, Mr. Rivers, I'm a deal older than you--old enough to be your father--and I should like to give you a little word of advice, if I could do it without offence.
gpt
I shall take it gratefully, Mr. Bragg, whether I act upon it or not.
human
Oh! as to acting upon it, said Mr. Bragg slowly;
gpt
Thank you, Mr. Bragg. I am sure you mean well, or why should you trouble yourself to speak at all on the matter?
human
Just so; I'm glad you see that.
gpt
But may I ask what put the idea of any--any 'entanglement,' as you call it, between me and Mrs. Bransby into your head?
human
Understand me, Mr. Rivers; I meant all in honour, you know.
gpt
I spoke very stupidly and awkwardly; I'll amend my phrase. I should have said, what put it into your head that I was likely to marry Mrs. Bransby?
human
Put it into my head? Well, when a young man feels a soft sort of compassion for a beautiful woman who--who throws herself a good deal on his sympathy, and looks to him for help and advice and all the rest of it, and when the young man and the beautiful woman have opportunities of seeing each other pretty constantly, why then I believe such a thing has been heard of in history as their falling in love with each other. It don't need much 'putting into your head' to see that when you've come to my years.
gpt
Are you quite sure, persisted Owen,