human
Then one day he brought me back to shore again, and for a while we lived together in a large white house within sight of the ocean. We used to take long walks and sometimes went to town, but he didn't seem very happy. One day he brought home with him a strange woman and told me that she was to be housekeeper, and that I must obey her and grow up to be a fine woman. Then he went away. That was fifteen years ago. Then came the report he was dead; that was ten years ago. After a while I didn't mind so much, for I used to lie on my back and recall all the places we had been together. When these pictures began to fade a little, I learned another way,--a way taught me by a sailor. I took a round crystal I found in the parlor and I looked into it hard,--oh, very, very hard. Then it happened. First all I saw was a blur of colors, but in a little while these separated and I saw as clearly as at first all the streets and places I had ever visited, and sometimes others too. Oh, it was such a comfort! Was that wrong?
gpt
No, he answered slowly,
human
I can't see anything wrong in that.
gpt
She--the housekeeper--called it wicked--devilish. She took away the crystal. But after a while I found I could see with other things--even with just a glass of clear water. All you have to do is to hold your eyes very still and stare and stare. Do you understand?
human
I've heard of that.
gpt
Don't you see how close this kept me to Dad? I've been living with him almost as though I were really with him. We've taken over again the old walks and many news ones. This seemed to go on just the same after we received word that he had died--stricken with a fever in South America somewhere.
human
All that is not so strange, she ran on;
gpt
What!
human
As clearly as I see you. He was walking down a street near the Gardens.
gpt
It might have been someone who resembled him.
human
No, it was Dad. He was thinner and looked strange, but I knew him as though it were only yesterday that he had gone away.
gpt
But if he is dead----
human
He isn't dead,
gpt
On the strength of that vision you came here to look for him?
human
Yes.
gpt
When you believe, you believe hard, don't you?
human
I believe the crystal,
gpt
Yet you didn't find your father?
human
No,
gpt
You are still sure he is here?
human
I am still sure he is living. I may have made a mistake in the place, but I know he is alive and well somewhere. I shall look again in the crystal to-morrow.
gpt
Yes, to-morrow,
human
But there is still the hunger of to-day.
gpt
You don't believe?
human
I believe you. And I believe that you believe. But I have seen little of such things myself. In the meanwhile it would be good to eat--if only a few crackers. Are you afraid to stay here alone while I explore a bit?
gpt
Madame, he exclaimed,
human
I beg you to observe me closely. I snap my fingers twice,--so! Then I motion,--so! Behold!
gpt
Once more,--so!