human
I suppose I can, Madam.
gpt
Then do so. Have you visited this man?
human
I have, Madam.
gpt
How many times?
human
Several times, Madam. I could not say with certainty how many.
gpt
How long knew you this Thomas Winter?
human
Almost as long as I have dwelt in your Ladyship's house--not fully that time.
gpt
Who made you acquaint with him?
human
Mr Percy.
gpt
What, the arch-traitor?
human
He, Madam. I will not deceive your Ladyship.
gpt
And pray who made you acquaint with him? demanded the Countess, grimly. In her heart, as she looked into the eyes honestly raised to hers, she was saying,
human
The lad is innocent of all ill meaning--a foolish daw that these kites have plucked:
gpt
Madam, that was Mr Thomas Rookwood.
human
He that dwells beside the Lady Lettice?
gpt
His son, Madam.
human
Were you acquaint with any of their wicked designs?
gpt
Not one of them, Madam, nor I never imagined no such a thing of any of those gentlemen.
human
Who of them all have you seen?
gpt
Madam, I have seen divers of whom I knew no more than to see them, whose names--but no more--I can specify if your Ladyship desire it. But those that I did really know and at all consort with were three only beside Mr Tom Rookwood--to wit, Mr Percy, Mr Catesby, and Mr Thomas Winter: and I saw but little save of the last.
human
The boy's telling truth, said Lady Oxford to herself.
gpt
He has been exceedingly foolish, but no worse. Then aloud she asked,--
human
Saw you ever any priests there?
gpt
Not to know them for such, Madam.
human
Tampered they with you in any wise as to religion?
gpt
Never, Madam.
human
And you are yet at heart a true Protestant, and loyal to King James?
gpt
As much so as I ever was, Madam.