human
The beast!--to affront his wife! she whispered.
gpt
Tell me, do you, also, go about your rustic gallantries in the shameful manner of these educated and Christian gentlemen?
human
I seek no woman's destruction,
gpt
Not even mine?
human
If our young men do not turn this Scotch girl's head with their philandering, send her to me and I will use her kindly.
gpt
You would not seduce her from an old and almost helpless man who needs her?
human
I find my servants where I can in such days as these, said she coolly.
gpt
And there are plenty to care for old Douw Fonda in Caughnawaga, but only an accomplished wench like Penelope Grant would I trust to do my hair and lace me. Will you send this girl to me?
human
No, I won't, said I bluntly.
gpt
I shall not charge myself with such an errand, even for you. It is not a decent thing you ask of me or of the wench, either.
human
It is decent, retorted Claudia pettishly.
gpt
If she's as pretty a baggage as is reported, some of our young fools will never let her alone until one among them turns her silly head. Whereas the girl would be safe with me.
human
That is not my affair,
gpt
Do you wish her harm?
human
I tell you she is no concern of mine. And if she's not a hopeless fool she'll know how to trust the gentry of County Tryon.
gpt
You are of them, too, Jack,
human
I am a plain farmer and I trouble no woman.
gpt
You trouble me,
human
You do so, she repeated.
gpt
I would you had courage to court me again.
human
Do you mean courage or inclination, Claudia?
gpt
With patience, she murmured,
human
I know well what I'd awaken in you, said I;
gpt
I'd awaken the devil. No; I've had my chance.