human
You have spoken to me of your childhood. Have you no remembrance at all of your parents--of the real parents, I mean?
gpt
Only a little! I remember the great ship we were going to sail on over the water, and how my father let go my hand, and sent me to my mother; how all at once father and mother were both gone, and I stood alone in a narrow street among a crowd of people. I must have screamed loudly and wept bitterly, for I did not become quiet until Erdmann took me in his arms and carried me to his wife. That is all I know.
human
And have you never since heard from your parents?
gpt
Never! They must have died over there in America, or they forgot me. No one has ever cared for me my whole life long--nobody but my master.
human
Your parents did not forget you, Fritz; they sought for you, and bitterly enough mourned your loss for many years--they--would gladly have given all their riches to have their child once more; but he could not be found.
gpt
Did you know my parents, Miss? he asked;
human
They are dead!
gpt
I thought so!
human
When your mother went to the ship, she was not alone, she carried a little child in her arms. Do you remember that child?
gpt
Yes, my little sister, our Jennie! She must have been very little then, only a few weeks old, but I loved her so dearly!
human
And that sister --for a moment Jane was silent, voice and strength failed her--
gpt
Miss Forest--you--?
human
My Fritz! My Brother!