human
Therese, said he,
gpt
I know not--I care not, said she.
human
There are no whites here; and I am well where they are not. Will you not let me stay here?
gpt
Did Jacques say, and say truly, that you are his wife?
human
He said so, and truly. I have been wretched, for long--
gpt
And sinful. Wretchedness and sin go together.
human
And I was sinful; but no one told me so. I was ignorant, and weak, and a slave. Now I am a woman and a wife. No more whites, no more sin, no more misery! Will you not let me stay here?
gpt
I will: and here you will presently be safe, and well cared for, I hope. My wife and my children are coming home--coming, probably in a few hours. They will make this a home to you till Jacques can give you one of your own. You shall be guarded here till my Margot arrives. Shall it be so?
human
Shall it? Oh, thank God! Jacques, she cried, as she heard her husband's step approaching.
gpt
Oh, Jacques! I am happy. Toussaint Breda is kind--he has forgiven me--he welcomes me--his wife will--
human
It is not for me to forgive, Therese, whom you have never offended. God has forgiven, I trust, your young years of sin. You will atone (will you not?) by the purity of your life--by watching over others, lest they suffer as you have done. You will guard the minds of my young daughters: will you not? You will thank God through my Genifrede, my Aimee?
gpt
I will, I will, she eagerly cried, lifting up her face, bright through her tears.
human
Indeed my heart will be pure--longs to be pure.
gpt
I know it, Therese, said Toussaint.
human
I have always believed it, and I now know it.
gpt
You declare yourself to be under my command?
human
Yes, Toussaint; you are my general.
gpt
Well, then, I appoint you to the duty of remaining here, with a troop, to guard my family (who are coming in a few hours), and this estate. I have some hopes of doing what I want at Cap without striking a blow; and you will be better here. You hate the whites too much to like my warfare. Farewell, Therese! Jacques, follow me, to receive your troop.