human
With your permission, Miss Harding, I should like to speak to you.
gpt
Not--not now; I'm afraid I shall be late for lunch; I--I don't want to keep Miss Lindsay waiting.
human
We don't lunch on Sunday; you forget, Miss Harding; we take early dinner; I assure you you shan't be late; they can't begin without me, and I'm always punctual. Pray don't be distressed.
gpt
I--I can't stop now; I--I'm not feeling very well.
human
You're not looking very well, I'm sorry to say; as Mr. Nash informed you.
gpt
Mr.---- What do you mean?
human
You were so engrossed with each other that you had no eyes for anything but yourselves; or you would certainly have noticed me. I was so close that I actually heard everything you said.
gpt
Are you always spying?
human
Candidly, I very often am. I regard it as my duty to keep at least one eye on everything that's going on; that's a high ideal, but I do my best to live up to it. When I had that little conversation with you with reference to the three thousand pounds you found, I endeavoured to assure you that you might rely implicitly on my discretion; but, at the same time, I did not bargain that you would throw the money away on such a man as Herbert Nash.
gpt
Morgan! you--you forget yourself.
human
Not at all, Miss Harding, not at all. When first I saw you together my feeling was one of resentment; but, when I heard what was said, my resentment grew less; for one reason, because I perceived that I might be able to work with Mr. Nash, as well as with you.
gpt
You might work with Mr. Nash? What do you mean?
human
Is it not obvious? As you are doubtless aware, Mr. Nash is a young man of many possibilities.
gpt
Possibilities?
human
You will remember that I told you that I saw possibilities in you, which have become facts. In the same sense I see possibilities in Herbert Nash, so that I may be able to work with him. We shall be a united trio.
gpt
Do you--do you dare to hint----
human
Yes? do I dare to hint? pray finish.
gpt
Let me pass! I'll have nothing to say to you! Get out of my way!
human
Still one moment, Miss Harding, if you please. I heard you ask Mr. Nash to marry you, which was rather 'coming on,' to use a kitchen phrase, wasn't it? Luckily he declined; the anxiety was plainly all on your side; or I should have objected.
gpt
You would have objected! Do you suppose I should ask your permission?
human
If you didn't, and I did object, on your wedding-day I'd have you arrested at the church door; and if your husband was Herbert Nash that would be the last you'd see of him. When you came out of jail he'd slam the door in your face, unless I mistake the man, and he'd stick up a notice in his front garden, 'No convicted felons need apply.' It's not my wish to be disagreeable, Miss Harding, quite the other way; but I've a feeling that you don't want to treat me fairly; and in matters of this sort both sides expect fair treatment, it's only natural. I can tell you, at this moment, exactly what I propose, as Herbert Nash put it; I want time to find out where I'm standing; as you must see for yourself, everything's at sixes and sevens. But I can tell you what I don't propose; that you should hand over that three thousand pounds to a man who doesn't deserve it. You catch what I mean? I fancy you will if you think it over. He glanced at his watch.
gpt
Now I am afraid that I must go; if you go straight home you'll have plenty of time to tittivate; and I do trust, Miss Harding, that, at dinner, you'll be once more the charming, lively, high-spirited young lady I've always loved to rest my eyes upon.