human
In all that I have done, in all that I now say, I have the sanction of Father Laxabon.
gpt
Then all is right, we may be sure, said Margot.
human
I have no doubt you would be right, if you had not Father Laxabon to consult; but if he thinks you right, everything must be done as you wish. My boys, pursued the tearful mother,
gpt
Do you think so?
human
You heard the proclamation I sent out among our people a few weeks ago.
gpt
Yes, said Placide;
human
Yes. I have had to make the same declaration to the two commissaries who have arrived at Cap under orders from the regicides at Paris. These commissaries have to-day invited me to their standard by promises of favour and consideration.
gpt
What do they promise us?
human
Nothing that we can accept. I have written a letter in reply, saying that I cannot yield myself to the will of any member of the nation, seeing that, since nations began, obedience has been due only to kings. We have lost the king of France; but we are beloved by the monarch of Spain, who faithfully rewards our services, and never intermits his protection and indulgence. Thus, I cannot acknowledge the authority of these commissaries till they shall have enthroned a king. Such is the letter which, guided by Father Laxabon, I have written.
gpt
It is a beautiful letter, I am sure, said Margot.
human
Is it not, Paul.
gpt
I don't doubt Father Laxabon is right, said Dessalines;
human
And how would it have been with us here?
gpt
Put your hand a little lower, and I say it would have been all the better for us, said the old negro, laughing,
human
What do you think?
gpt
I think it was good for my father to be loyal to the king, as long as the king lived. I think it was good for us to be living here free, with time to consider what we should do next. And I think it has happened very well that my father has shown what a soldier he is, which he could not so well have done if we had stayed at Breda. As for Dessalines, he is best where the vines grow thickest, or where the cellars are deepest. It is a pity he should have taken upon him to be loyal.
human
And what do you think of going to the camp with my father? Look at Moyse--how delighted he is!