human
Like a rhyme—keeping time—like a cry—going by——
gpt
Donelle!
human
I have been following you,
gpt
Why, Mr. Richard Alton?
human
Because I am going to make you promise to play your fiddle again.
gpt
No, I am happier when I forget my fiddle.
human
Why, Donelle Morey, are you happier?
gpt
You would not understand.
human
I’d try. Come, sit here on this log. The sun strikes it and we will be warm.
gpt
Now tell me about that fiddle.
human
Once, Donelle raised her eyes to his,
gpt
Of what, little girl?
human
The—the bits that were left.
gpt
Perhaps, Norval, quite unconsciously laid his hand over Donelle’s which were clasped on her knees,
human
You make me afraid, said Donelle as she looked down at the hand covering hers.
gpt
You see, I want to do the thing you say. I almost did it, but the dear lady died. I’m not very brave; I think I would gave gone.
human
She may not be the only one, child.
gpt
But I couldn’t take anything unless I had it, clean and safe. I wouldn’t want it, unless I, myself, made it sure first. I’m like that. Don’t you think something you are afraid of being sometimes keeps you from being what you want to be?
human
Yes. But, little girl, come, some time, to the cabin in the woods and play for me; will you? I might help you. And you could help me, I am trying to find my place, too.
gpt
You?
human
Yes, Donelle. Then, quite irrelevantly, as once Tom Gavot had done, he said:
gpt
Your eyes are glorious, child, do you know that? The soul of you shines through. Donelle, it is almost as bad to starve a soul as to kill it. Will you bring the fiddle some day?
human
Yes, some day.
gpt
Donelle!
human
Yes.
gpt
Just Donelle. The name is like you. You will keep your promise?
human
Some day, yes.