human
Don't let a soul in here, Nathaniel. I'll be gone in a few minutes. I don't want 'em to see----
gpt
Natty, I thought I could keep it, but I never did have a secret from you, and I can't die without telling you, if there _is_ a heaven and hell----Oh, Natty, I've done a wicked thing and I'm dying without repenting. I'd do it again. That time you went to Mrs. Warner's with the pattern--this cold I got that day I went out----
human
but used the pet name of their courtship. The long years of their parenthood had vanished. They had gone back to the days when each had made up all the world to the other.
gpt
I know, Matey, he said.
human
I met young Warner out in the road and give the pattern to him, and I come right back, and see you sitting out there. I knew what 'twas for.
gpt
I thought it was the only thing left I could do for you, Matey, to let you stay there. You know I never wished for anything but that you should have what you wanted. He had spoken in a steady, even tone, which now broke into an irrepressible wail of selfish, human anguish.
human
But you leave me all _alone_, Matey! How can I get on without you! I thought I'd die myself as I sat inside the house watching you. You're all I ever had, Matey! All there has ever been in the world for me!
gpt
Why, Natty, I never supposed you thought so much of me still. I thought that had gone when we got old. But, oh, my dear! I'm afraid I've dragged you down with me to destruction. It wa'n't any matter about me, but I'm afraid you've lost your soul. That was a wicked thing for us to do!
human
I ain't afraid of hell if you're there, Matey,
gpt
Oh, Nathaniel!