human
I was welted in my time hard an' often, an' be none the worse,
gpt
Might have served him once; too late now for that remedy, I fear.
human
How's your brother Jan?
gpt
He's furnishing his new house and busy about the formation of a volunteer corps. I met him not long since in Fingle Gorge.
human
Be you friends now, if I may ax?
gpt
I tried to be. We live and learn. Things happened to me a while ago that taught me what I didn't know. I spoke to him and reminded him of the long years in Africa. Blood's thicker than water, Blanchard.
human
So 'tis. What did he make of it?
gpt
He looked up and hesitated. Then he shook his head and set his face against me, and said he would not have my friendship as a gift.
human
He's a gude hater.
gpt
Time will bring the best of him to the top again some day. I understand him, I think. We possess more in common than people suppose. We feel deeply and haven't a grain of philosophy between us.
human
Well, I reckon I've allus been inclined to deep ways of thought myself; and work up here, wi' nothing to break your thoughts but the sight of a hawk or the twinkle of a rabbit's scut, be very ripening to the mind. If awnly Phoebe was here! Sometimes I'm in a mood to ramp down-long an' hale her home, whether or no. But I sweats the longing out o' me wi' work.
gpt
The day will soon come. Time drags with me just now, somehow, but it races with you, I'll warrant. I must get on with my book, and see Hicks and try and persuade him to help me.
human
You speak from experience, I know. And is Phoebe as wise as you, Will?
gpt
Waitin' be harder for a wummon. They've less to busy the mind, an' less mind to busy, for that matter.
human
That's ungallant.
gpt
I doan't knaw. 'Tis true, anyway. I shouldn't have failed in love wi' her if she'd been cleverer'n me.
human
Or she with you, perhaps?
gpt
P'r'aps not. Anyway as it stands we'm halves of a whole: made for man and wife. I reckon I weern't wan to miss my way in love like some poor fules, as wastes it wheer they might see't wasn't wanted if they'd got eyes in their heads.
human
What it is to be so wise!
gpt
Very gude of 'e to say that. 'Tis a happy thing to have sense enough. Not but we larn an' larn.
human
So we should. Well, I must be off now. I'm safe on the Moor to-day!
gpt
Ess, by the looks of it. Theer'll likely come some mist after noon, but shouldn't be very thick.
human
Green Man