human
Father, I was about to seek you, said she.
gpt
They tell me that you have heard bad news.
human
Bad enough, girl! The red-skins are going to attack us.
gpt
Is there no hope?
human
Hope, for what?
gpt
That this bloodshed may be avoided. Will they not listen to an offer of reconciliation?
human
And who would dare to make it?
gpt
Dare, father! I do not understand you. It is the duty of those who have done wrong to contrive by concession to atone for it, and, if possible, to make peace.
human
But who has done wrong?
gpt
I see what you're thinking about, my girl. It's very hard that inside of my own home I should meet with reproaches. Isn't it enough for me to have to bear the sneers and taunts of others, without being forced to listen to them from you?
human
Father!
gpt
Oh, yes; now you'll try to say you didn't mean to reproach me; but it won't do. I see it in your face; and, there, your eyes are full of tears. That's the way with you girls, when you can't use your tongues, you have always a stock of tears ready. But blubbering won't mend this matter; it's got to be settled with blows.
human
Oh, father! can nothing be done?
gpt
Nothing, but prepare for the worst. Now, girl, stop your crying, or you'll drive me stark mad. I'll tell you what it is, I'm just in that sort of state that if I don't do something, I shall go clean out of my mind. What with the worrying work here, and the grumbling discontent of a few paltry hounds about the settlement, I don't know how I keep my senses about me.