human
So you come, Mr. Cromwell, to quarter yourself here?
gpt
I do, madam.
human
You come alone, knowing we are a house of women and of wounded men? Oh, the courage of you! And even our wounded have left us—not one of them so crippled but the news of Rupert’s coming spurred him on to Marston.
gpt
The news of Rupert’s going will comfort them, maybe,
human
He thrashed you handsomely. Oh, we have the news! First, a runner came, telling how Lord Fairfax and the leader of the Ironsides had left the field.
gpt
No, my pistol’s. We talk as man to man. I say that we have the news. And then a second runner came and told us Leslie’s Scots had won the battle. And we sorrowed, but not as if it had been you who claimed the victory.
human
Am I so hated, then, by your side of this quarrel?
gpt
Hated? That is a little word.
human
Good! Any wayside fool can be loved—it takes a man to earn hatred.
gpt
A man of sorts—granted. You will tell me, Mr. Cromwell, what your purpose was in coming to this house. My husband may be lying dead on Marston Field. Perhaps you came, in courtesy, to distract my grief.
human
I came because Lord Fairfax bade me, said Cromwell bluntly.
gpt
We have no courtesy in Rutland, as you know. Mere folly must have bidden me leave my men outside, lest they intruded on you over-roughly.
human
How many of them did Rupert leave you for a guard?
gpt
A few within call. They are not gentle.
human
Nor I. As man to man—I stand for the husband who may return or may not—we are here, we two. You have a body of surprising strength, but it is I who hold the pistol. Believe me, Mr. Cromwell, I have learned your proverb well; I trust in Providence and keep my powder dry.