human
You have no children of your own, I suppose,
gpt
I had a son once, said Joe.
human
I hope he's still living.
gpt
You do not love him, of course?
human
Love him! said Joe, trembling from head to foot.
gpt
I'd lie down an' die for him this blessed moment if it would do him good.
human
Ah! he has been a very good son, I expect,
gpt
No, he was what people would call a bad son--a very bad 'un.
human
Then if he were to come home again, you certainly would close the door against him?
gpt
Close the door agin him! Close the door agin my own child, my own flesh and blood! Why, I've been longing for years for him to come home. I wish he'd try me, he should have the best of everything I've got in the house. Oh, marcy! how my poor old heart 'ud ache with joy if he were to come to-night.
human
So you think, Joe, that you are better than God.
gpt
Better 'n God?
human
Yes; more merciful, and loving, and kind.
gpt
Who said so?
human
Well, you implied it,
gpt
Me implied it? said he in a tone of bewilderment.
human
How so?
gpt
Well, you say you have a bad son who has been away many years, and yet you say you love him still, so much so that you would willingly die for him; and that, bad as he has been, if he were to come home to-night, instead of driving him from the door, you would give him the heartiest welcome, and think nothing in the house too good for him. And yet you think God will turn away you. So you must admit, Joe, she said with a smile,
human
Thank you _so_ much.
gpt
Good bye, my purty, he whispered.
human
We'll meet again, I do believe.
gpt
Ay, Joe, I'm sure we shall.
human
I'm main sorry to lose 'e, he said in a faltering voice, and brushing his rough hand across his eyes;
gpt
I'll be waiting, Joe, 'gin you come. Now kiss me, for I'll be gone, I reckon, afore you come again.
human
Be good, Benny, an' the Lord will provide, an' we'll meet in heaven.
gpt
Seaward fast the tide is gliding,