human
You will not abandon me, will you, sir?
gpt
Why, no, said I.
human
We can lodge at Jimmy Burke's Tavern. And there is Nick to give us countenance--and a most respectable Indian.
gpt
Is it scandalous for me to go thither in your company?
human
What else is there for us to do?
gpt
I should go to Albany, said she,
human
It is no burden, said I;
gpt
Does solicitude for my welfare truly occupy your thoughts, sir?
human
Why, yes, and naturally. Are we not close friends and comrades in misfortune, Penelope?
gpt
I counted it no misfortune to live at Summer House.
human
No, nor I.... I was very happy there.... Alas for your pretty cottage!--poor little châtelaine of Summer House!
gpt
John Drogue?
human
I hear you.
gpt
Did you suppose I ever meant to take that gift of you?
human
Why--why, yes! I gave it! Even now I have the deed to the land and shall convey it to you. And one day, God willing, a new cottage shall be built----
gpt
Then you must build it, John Drogue, for the land is yours and I never meant to take it of you, and never shall.... And I thank you,--and am deeply beholden--and touched in my heart's deep depths--that you have offered this to me.... Because you desired me to be respectable, and well considered by men.... And you wished me to possess substance which I lacked--so that none could dare use me lightly and without consideration.... And I promise you that I have learned my lesson. You have schooled me well, Mr. Drogue.... And if for no other reason save respect for you, and gratitude, I promise you I shall so conduct hereafter that you shall have no reason to think contemptuously of me.
human
I never held you in contempt.
gpt
Yes; when I stole your horse; and when you deemed me easy--and proved me so----
human
I meant it not that way!
gpt
Yet it was so, John Drogue. I was not difficult. I meant no harm, but had not sense enough to know harm when it approached me!... And so I thank you for schooling me. But I never could have taken any gift from you.