human
Nanna must go with me, repeated the girl, hurriedly.
gpt
You will help us to get out the boat and tell me in what direction Croye lies. We shall find our way, never fear, for I know the stars, and Nanna can paddle all day long as well as a man.
human
And what will you do when you get to Croye? asked Constans, gently.
gpt
Must you hear the whole truth about your uncle, Messer Hugolin? It is not that he is unable but unwilling to turn a hand in your behalf. The humblest shelter, the meanest food--I know what you would say. But not even a night's housing in the cattle-byre or a plate of broken victuals is to be had from Messer Hugolin unless one is prepared to pay, and roundly, too. Remember that I, too, am of his blood, and have dwelt in his house.
human
There is the town itself, she faltered.
gpt
Surely among so many people there must be some chance for a livelihood--there is work---
human
Not of the honest kind and for such as you, he retorted.
gpt
Must I make you understand? Look at yourself, then, in the glass behind you. Suddenly he took her hand between both his own.
human
Who would dare hint at work to those fingers so slimly white? But one may live delicately, even in Croye.
gpt
But not you, he stammered, and raged inwardly at himself. She forgave him in a look.
human
But, Esmay,
gpt
You are thinking of the world beyond, but indeed you do not know it--its cruelty to the weak, above all to a woman. Here, at least----
human
Here the least of all,
gpt
Yet you see how I could not let you go alone or even with Nanna,
human
Yes, I understand that. What is it that you wish me to do?