human
Come in! Come in! I've something to show you.
gpt
Sweetheart, he said,
human
I've had a letter from Capper.
gpt
What does he say?
human
It's good news, dear, he said.
gpt
You mustn't let it scare you.
human
No, of course not. Tell me what he says.
gpt
Have you taken my advice yet with regard to _la femme_?
human
An ancient joke, explained Lucas with a smile.
gpt
He told me long ago that I should need a woman's help to pull me through. And --his voice dropped--
human
I guess he was right.
gpt
I shouldn't be here now but for you, Anne, he said, his blue eyes watching her.
human
I sometimes think it must have been a mortal strain upon you. Have you felt it so very badly, I wonder?
gpt
Luke--my dearest--you have done far greater things for me. You have kept me from starvation. You have no idea what you are to me.
human
Have you ever begun to think of what you will do when you are well?
gpt
I am thinking of it always, he answered.
human
I make wonderful pictures for myself sometimes. You are the central figure of them all.
gpt
Lucas, she said,
human
Yes, dear,
gpt
Far away from anywhere I have ever been before? Her voice shook a little.
human
I want to begin life over again where everything is new.
gpt
I guess I'd better show you my best picture right now, he said.
human
It's got a steam yacht in it, and a state cabin fit for a queen. And it goes rocking around the world, looking for the Happy Islands. I guess we shall find them some day, sweetheart--maybe sooner than we think.
gpt
Ah, yes, she said.
human
We won't stop looking till we do. How soon shall we start, Luke?
gpt
Just as soon as I can stand on my feet like any other man, Anne, and hold the woman I love in my arms.
human
I am ready for you when ever you will,
gpt
I know it, he said.
human
And God bless you for telling me so!