human
It's fair; it's generous, Mr. Allinson. I am getting old and my daughter is very young. Then her lips quivered and she broke into a pitiful smile.
gpt
You have done what you can, but it doesn't cover the greatest risk I run.
human
I know, responded Andrew gently;
gpt
I am asking a great deal from you.
human
Well, she said,
gpt
She paused for a moment and then asked with an effort:
human
When do you start?
gpt
As soon as we can. Andrew felt that it would be tactful to take his leave.
human
But I have a letter I must mail.
gpt
Come back, please, she said.
human
Supper will be ready in about ten minutes.
gpt
I'm sorry, Martha. I feel that I must go.
human
Why, of course, dear! I wouldn't stop you.
gpt
It isn't all restlessness, Martha--there is a chance! What have I done so far but keep you poor? It has hurt me to see you always hard at work at some drudgery, living in this poor little house, planning to save a few cents wherever you could. Now there may be a change; our life will be very different and the children's future brighter if I can find the lode. But if I am to find it, I must go now. In a few more years it would be too late.
human
Yes, she said softly.
gpt
But, after all, we have been happy here.
human
Still, you have had your bad hours. Do you think I don't know? It wasn't easy to go to the office day after day and keep accounts, with the longing you couldn't get over, and dreams of riches in your mind.
gpt
I'm afraid I let you guess it. But they're not dreams. I found a lode rich in silver; I may locate it again.
human
Dear, I hardly care whether you find the lode or not. You will be content when you have looked for it, and I shall be happier knowing that the restlessness you couldn't master has gone and will never trouble us again.