human
Mr. McGowan, it is the will of God that you stay right here in this town. If we do His will we ain't to worry about the glory part, she emphatically affirmed. She placed the cups and saucers beside the coffee-pot and filled them.
gpt
You hit 'em hard last night, and that is exactly what's ailing them. You've been hitting 'em too hard for comfort. The shoe's pinching and they're not able to keep from showing how it hurts. You hit me, too,
human
I'm sorry.
gpt
You needn't be, 'cause it wasn't you speaking. It was God speaking through you. Them words you used for your text rung in my ears all night long. I could hear 'em plainer than when you spoke 'em from the pulpit: 'Launch out into the deep.' Mr. McGowan, do you believe there is any forgiveness for the unpardonable sin?
human
It was years ago when I first heard them words. They were just as plain to me then as they was last night, but I refused to obey 'em. I didn't think I could stand the ocean. You know the way I was coming over from Riverhead. Well, I'm always sick on the water, and so I said right out that I wouldn't set sail as a seaman's wife. I was young and strong-headed then, and didn't understand. The man I said 'No' to went off, and I never heard from him but three times since. Some said he was drowned at sea, but I know he wasn't. I've been true to him all these years, trying to atone for my sin of disobedience. If he'd come back now, I'd go with him though he'd slay me.
gpt
Did you say you never heard from him?
human
No. I didn't say that. She spoke sharply, but immediately her face and tone softened.
gpt
I didn't mean to speak cross, but I ain't spoke of this for years, and it upsets me when I think of what I done.
human
We'll not speak of it, then.
gpt
It won't disturb me the least bit. It sort of helps to talk about it. I'm thinking all the time about him, how brave he was. He was so manly, too, was my Adoniah.
human
Adoniah?
gpt
Adoniah was his first name. I ain't spoke it out loud for years. It does sound sort of queer, doesn't it? I didn't think so then. She sighed deeply.
human
The spirit of the Lord seemed to go away from me when Adoniah did. If only he'd come back.
gpt
He has not left you. God is not a hard master, leaving people alone for their shortcomings.
human
Do you think He'll send him back to me?
gpt
He is here now. He has never left you.
human
I didn't think you'd trifle, or I'd never told you.
gpt
Indeed, I'm not trifling.
human
Then, what happened last night has gone to your head, poor thing! I'd ought to have known better than to have troubled you with my sorrows. You've got all you ought to carry. Poor thing!