human
I cal'late they're working you too hard here, Clemmie, he said tenderly.
gpt
You'd best get away for a spell.
human
I'd like to have a rest, but I can't leave. There's no one to take my place.
gpt
Pshaw! There's plenty who'd be glad for the place.
human
Anyhow, I ain't got no place to go.
gpt
That's what I've come to see you about, Clemmie.
human
Josiah Pott! Be you proposing to me _again_?
gpt
Now, don't get mad, Clemmie. I ain't proposing to you, he explained as calmly as possible.
human
But as I've said afore----
gpt
I know what you've said, learnt it like a book. And you know what I've said, too. My no means NO.
human
I cal'late you ain't left no room for me to doubt that. You've made that purty tolerable plain. I reckon we're getting too old for that now, anyway. Leastwise, I be,
gpt
Huh! she grunted indignantly.
human
A body'd think you was the grandfather of Methuselah to hear you talk.
gpt
I am getting on purty well, Clemmie.
human
Josiah Pott! If you come over here to talk that nonsense you can go right back.
gpt
I really come on another matter. I want you to come over and keep house for me and another man. We're living on the old place, and it ain't what you'd call hum sweet hum for two males to live alone in a big house like mine. Thought maybe you wouldn't mind keeping the decks swabbed and the galley full of pervisions if I'd only pay you the same as you're getting here. I'd----
human
That will be enough!
gpt
Thought maybe 'twould.
human
I'll not listen to another word from you!