human
Will, said he to his friend, as they met at William Clark's home, according to their frequent custom,
gpt
I am in trouble.
human
Fancied trouble, Merne, said Clark.
gpt
You're always finding it!
human
Would I might call it fancied! But this is something in the way of facts, and very stubborn facts. See here --he held out certain papers in his hand--
gpt
Tut, tut! said William Clark gravely.
human
Come, let us see.
gpt
Look here, and here! Will, you know that I am a man of no great fortune. You also know that I have made certain enemies in this country. But now I am not supported by my own government. I am ruined--I am a broken man! Did you think that this country could do that for either of us?
human
But Merne, you, the soul of honor----
gpt
Some enemy has done this! What influences have been set to work, I cannot say; but here are the bills, and there are others out in other hands--also protested, I have no doubt. I am publicly discredited, disgraced. I know not what has been said of me at Washington.
human
That is the trouble, said William Clark slowly.
gpt
Washington is so far. But now, you must not let this trouble you. 'Tis only some six-dollar-a-week clerk in Washington that has done it. You must not consider it to be the deliberate act of any responsible head of the government. You take things too hard, Merne. I will not have you brooding over this--it will never do. You have the megrims often enough, as it is. Come here and kiss the baby! He is named for you, Meriwether Lewis--and he has two teeth. Sit down and behave yourself. Judy will be here in a minute. You are among your friends. Do not grieve. 'Twill all come well!