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As he said this, poor William Dobbin blushed crimson, and felt and owned that he himself was a traitor. But for him, perhaps, this severance need never have taken place. Why had not Georges marriage been delayed? What call was there to press it on so eagerly? He felt that George would have parted from Amelia at any rate without a mortal pang. Amelia, too, might have recovered the shock of losing him. It was his counsel had brought about this marriage, and all that was to ensue from it. And why was it? Because he loved her so much that he could not bear to see her unhappy: or because his own sufferings of suspense were so unendurable that he was glad to crush them at onceas we hasten a funeral after a death, or, when a separation from those we love is imminent, cannot rest until the parting be over. You are a good fellow, William, said Mr. Osborne in a softened voice; and me and George shouldnt part in anger, that is true. Look here. Ive done for him as much as any father ever did. Hes had three times as much money from me, as I warrant your father ever gave you. But I dont brag about that. How Ive toiled for him, and worked and employed my talents and energy, I wont say. Ask Chopper. Ask himself. Ask the City of London. Well, I propose to him such a marriage as any nobleman in the land might be proud ofthe only thing in life I ever asked himand he refuses me. Am I wrong? Is the quarrel of my making? What do I seek but his good, for which Ive been toiling like a convict ever since he was born? Nobody can say theres anything selfish in me. Let him come back. I say, heres my hand. I say, forget and forgive. As for marrying now, its out of the question. Let him and Miss S. make it up, and make out the marriage afterwards, when he comes back a Colonel; for he shall be a Colonel, by G he shall, if money can do it. Im glad youve brought him round. I know its you, Dobbin. Youve took him out of many a scrape before. Let him come. I shant be hard. Come along, and dine in Russell Square to-day: both of you. The old shop, the old hour. Youll find a neck of venison, and no questions asked. This praise and confidence smote Dobbins heart very keenly. Every moment the colloquy continued in this tone, he felt more and more guilty. Sir, said he, I fear you deceive yourself. I am sure you do. George is much too high-minded a man ever to marry for money. A threat on your part that you would disinherit him in case of disobedience would only be followed by resistance on his. Why, hang it, man, you dont call offering him eight or ten thousand a year threatening him? Mr. Osborne said, with still provoking good humour. Gad, if Miss S. will have me, Im her man. I aint particular about a shade or so of tawny. And the old gentleman gave his knowing grin and coarse laugh. You forget, sir, previous engagements into which Captain Osborne had entered, the ambassador said, gravely. What engagements? What the devil do you mean? You dont mean, Mr. Osborne continued, gathering wrath and astonishment as the thought now first came upon him; you dont mean that hes such a d fool as to be still hankering after that swindling old bankrupts daughter? Youve not come here for to make me suppose that he wants to marry her? Marry her, that is a good one. My son and heir marry a beggars girl out of a gutter. D him, if he does, let him buy a broom and sweep a crossing. She was always dangling and ogling after him, I recollect now; and Ive no doubt she was put on by her old sharper of a father. Mr. Sedley was your very good friend, sir, Dobbin interposed, almost pleased at finding himself growing angry. Time was you called him better names than rogue and swindler. The match was of your making. George had no right to play fast and loose Fast and loose! howled out old Osborne. Fast and loose! Why, hang me, those are the very words my gentleman used himself when he gave himself airs, last Thursday was a fortnight, and talked about the British army to his father who made him. What, its you who have been a setting of him upis it? and my service to you, captain. Its you who want to introduce beggars into my family. Thank you for |
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