human
Who is it?
gpt
It’s—it’s Donelle, Donelle Morey. I—couldn’t go away; please do not mind—if you only knew!
human
Knew what?
gpt
Why, it’s what I’ve wanted all my life. I did not know; how could I? But now I know, the music has told me.
human
Come here! he said, reaching out his hand.
gpt
The love you have, does it mean that you sing? Your voice is—is rather fine. Let me have the fingers.
human
Oh! Revelle was feeling every inch of the slim hand and fingers.
gpt
The long hand and wide between the fingers! And the finger tips; it is the musician’s hand unless nature has played a trick. Will you let me find out if nature has spoken true?
human
I—I do not know what you mean.
gpt
Are you a young child?
human
No, I am old, quite old.
gpt
Stand up, let me feel how tall you are. Ah! you are of the right age! Young enough to obey; old enough to hunger. Are you beautiful?
human
Oh! No. I’m sure I’m ugly.
gpt
Of the light or the dark?
human
I’m white, I—I am thin, too.
gpt
May I touch your face?
human
You have a soul!
gpt
A soul?
human
Ah! yes. You do not know. One never finds his soul until he suffers. You are young, but you have a soul. Keep it safe, safe; and while you wait, let me see if nature has made you for use. If you can learn, I shall find joy. I had thought my life was over.