human
Drink deep, sufferer, and tell all--if you wish.
gpt
Oh, I ran into Mr. Shawn at Uncle John's wharf--O my God! Uncle John! Why, he must have thought----
human
Beyond a broad statement to the effect that boys will be boys, for the which he claimed no great measure of originality, I saw no sign of severe displeasure. When he insisted on helping me remove your smelly boots, he--chuckled: this I affirm. You may get a few instructions this morning, but without pain. Proceed.
gpt
Oh--a few drinks with Shawn--dinner at a tavern--I don't seem to remember all of it.
human
You brought home some books. Over there on your dresser.
gpt
They're for you.
human
What! Reuben was a long time at the dresser, his back turned, his hands on the books not turning the pages.
gpt
Ben--how did you know?
human
I guessed right, then?
gpt
Yes! Yes, but I--why, I only gabbled. I don't see how----
human
You did. Came to me later, what you must mean. Is it a call?
gpt
Yes.
human
You can--oh, damn my head!--you can be certain?
gpt
I'm--certain. I did go to see Mr. Welland again yesterday. He spoke of an apprenticeship.
human
Oh.... Well--well, good, if it's what you wish. What about Harvard, Ru?
gpt
I don't know. Reuben sat on the floor by Ben's bed, a motion of effortless grace that made Ben's head throb to watch it.
human
I must speak to Uncle John of course. Maybe I can go to the college and study with Mr. Welland at the same time. There'll be the summers.
gpt
Pills--pills and sick people and----
human
It's not like that, Ben. I mean, that is only one part of it, and for the rest--I can't explain it because I don't know enough, but of a sudden, after a long time of not knowing what I desired, there is this, and I do seem to be certain.
gpt
But for myself, I've not found it.
human
You will, said Reuben quickly.
gpt
It'll come to you, as it has--as I know it has to me. He reached for Ben's empty cup and poured a drink for himself, sitting cross-legged, intent, a small man with a boy's face.
human
Ben, I think--so far as I can explain it, I think it's a desire to know.
gpt
To know?
human
About human creatures. How they're made, why they feel, think, suffer, act as they do. I wish....