human
My dear, what put it into that wise little head of yours to come and comfort an old woman?
gpt
I thought you would be lonely with Gabriel gone, and I just made up my mind to come. I was afraid until I reached the door, and then I wasn't afraid any more. If you don't want me, I'll soon find it out.
human
I can't tell you how glad I am, Nan, to have you here; and I can guess your feelings. No doubt you were shocked to hear that Francis Bethune had been taken with the rest.
gpt
I'm sure I don't know what you mean, Grandmother Lumsden. I care no more for Mr. Bethune than I do for the others--perhaps not so much.
human
I don't know why it is, said Mrs. Lumsden,
gpt
I've heard you talk that way before, and I've often wondered why you did it.
human
Oh, well! perhaps it is one of my foolish dreams,
gpt
Your father's plantation and that of Francis's grandfather are side by side, and I have thought it would be romantic for the heirs to join hands and make the two places one.
human
I can't see anything romantic in that, Grandmother Lumsden. It's like a sum in arithmetic.
gpt
Well, you must allow old people to indulge in their dreams, my dear. When you are as old as I am, and have seen as much of life, you will have different ideas about romance.
human
I hope, ma'am, that your next dream will be truer,