human
Who can tell, he said to himself,
gpt
I did not keep you waiting, you see. Deliver this at your earliest opportunity and accept my thanks. Is there anything that I can do for you in return?
human
Do not fear to speak. We are perfect friends now.
gpt
There is something I would like to ask, mademoiselle, but should never have dared if you had not suggested it.
human
What is it, Batoche?
gpt
I have a granddaughter, little Blanche.
human
Yes.
gpt
She has been my inseparable companion from her infancy.
human
Yes.
gpt
Now that the war has broken out, she is much alone, and that troubles me.
human
Where is she?
gpt
In our cabin at Montmorenci. Pauline Belmont desired to keep her in Quebec during the siege, but to this I would not consent, because I could not see her as often as I wished.
human
Let me have the child, Batoche. I will replace her godmother as well as I can.
gpt
I thank you from the bottom of my heart, mademoiselle, but that is not precisely what I meant. I could not part from her for good, neither would she leave me. All I ask is this. I may be absent from my hut for days at a time. You know what military service is.
human
Military service?
gpt
Yes, mademoiselle, I am a soldier once more.
human
You mean...?
gpt
I am enrolled among the Bastonnais.
human
Bravo! exclaimed Zulma.
gpt
Whenever you have to absent yourself from home fetch Blanche to me.