human
You may continue, Natalie,
gpt
We expected--that is, we hoped you were an older man-- Garth looked so disappointed she immediately added:
human
For that would make the request seem less strange.
gpt
What is it?
human
What sort of a man is the Bishop?
gpt
A very proper person to be Bishop in a wild country,
human
And his wife?
gpt
Of course!
human
We had heard she accompanies her husband,
gpt
Yes,
human
That simplifies matters!
gpt
Their route takes in Spirit River Crossing, I believe,
human
Whatever you may think of what I am going to tell you, Mr. Pevensey, she said with the same proud appeal in her voice,
gpt
Indeed you may!
human
I am obliged to get to Spirit River Crossing at the earliest possible moment,
gpt
Have you considered the kind of a journey it is?
human
That is the worst of it! complained Mrs. Mabyn.
gpt
I had expected to go with her; but we find it is out of the question.
human
I have considered everything,
gpt
But do you know that you will have to travel two or three weeks in an open boat in all weathers, a mere canoe in fact; that you will have to sleep out of doors, and live on the very roughest of fare? Could you stand it?
human
I am perfectly well and strong,
gpt
That is quite so, happily, said Mrs. Mabyn.
human
Otherwise, I would not hear of it for a moment.
gpt
If the Bishop's wife can stand it, certainly I can,
human
But she is obliged to do it,
gpt
So am I!
human
Naturally you wonder what forces me to undertake such a journey,
gpt
Couldn't I help you more intelligently if I knew?
human
But I cannot tell you, she said.
gpt
That is, not yet. Believe me, it is nothing I need be ashamed of----
human
Natalie! exclaimed Mrs. Mabyn indignantly.
gpt
Is it not I who urge you to go?
human
Yes, I am doing what will be considered a most praiseworthy thing,
gpt
Yes, indeed!
human
But in telling you, objected Natalie gently,
gpt
I would have to trust you to a far greater extent than you would be trusting me, in lending me, without knowing my reasons, the assistance of one traveller to another.
human
Please count on me, he said, moved more than he would let them see, especially the old woman.
gpt
How can I help you?
human
See me as far as Miwasa Landing, she said simply.
gpt
I will then throw myself on the goodness of the Bishop and his wife; and trust to them to take me with them the rest of the way--that is, if I wish to go. The Bishop may be able to give me information,
human
Natalie! put in Mrs. Mabyn, warningly.
gpt
I--I will give her letters to those good people,
human
I am thankful for the chance to be of service,
gpt
Thank you, said Natalie, simply.
human
Let us talk of ways and means, she added decisively.
gpt
What should I take?