human
C'm in, she said stolidly.
gpt
What'd yuh come fer?
human
Miss MacDonald will perhaps explain--
gpt
She ain't got nothin' to explain, said hard old Marthy with grim finality.
human
I'll do what explainin's to be done. C'm in. Don't stand there like a stump. And shut the door. It's cold as a barn here, anyway.
gpt
Oh, Marthy!
human
Don't oh Marthy me, said the harsh voice flatly.
gpt
I don't want no Marthyin' nor no sympathy. Well, old man, you're here to colleck, I s'pose. Take what's in sight; 'tain't none of it yourn, far's I know, but anything you claim you kin have, fer all me. I've lived honest all my days an' worked fer what I got. I've harbored thieves in my old age and trusted them that wa'n't fit to be trusted. I've allus paid my debts, Seabeck. I'm willin' to pay now fer bein' a fool.
human
W-where's Charlie?
gpt
I d'no, and I don't care. He's pulled out--him an' that breed. I'll have t' pay yuh for seven growed cattle I never seen till yist'day, Seabeck. You can set yer own price on 'em. I ain't sure, but I've got an idee they was shot las' night an' dumped in the river. You c'n set yer price. I've got rheumatiz so bad I couldn't go 'n' put a stop to nothin'--but--
human
Oh, Marthy! Billy Louise was shivering and crying now.
gpt
Marthy! Don't be so--so hard. It was all Charlie--
human
Yes, said Marthy harshly,
gpt
Oh, Marthy!
human
You've got to come and lie down, Marthy,
gpt
Mr. Seabeck, if you'll start a fire, I'll make some tea for her. Come, Marthy--just to please me. Do it for Billy Louise, Marthy.