human
You come from Kentucky, Mr. Gwynne, Lapelle was saying.
gpt
I am from Louisiana. My father came up to St. Louis a few years ago after establishing a line of steamboats between Terre Haute and the gulf. Two of our company's boats come as far north as Lafayette, so I spend considerable of my time there at this season of the year. You will find, sir, a number of Kentucky and Virginia people in this part of the state. Splendid stock, some of them. I understand you have spent several years in the East, at college and in pursuit of your study of the law.
human
Principally in New York and Philadelphia, responded the other, subduing a smile.
gpt
My fame seems to have preceded me, Mr. Lapelle. Even in remote parts of the country I find my arrival anticipated. The farmer with whom I spent the night was thoroughly familiar with my affairs.
human
You are an object of interest to every one in this section, said Lapelle, indifferently.
gpt
Where did you spend the night?
human
At the farm of a man named Striker,--Phineas Striker.
gpt
Phineas Striker? he exclaimed, with a swift, searching look into the speaker's eyes. Suddenly a flush mantled his cheek.
human
You were at Phineas Striker's last night?
gpt
Yes. We had lost our way and came to his place just before the storm,
human
Then you must have met,--but no, it isn't likely,
gpt
I met no one there except my sister, who also happened to be spending the night with the Strikers.
human
Were you in any way responsible for--well, for her departure, Mr. Gwynne?
gpt
I was not aware of her departure until I arose this morning, Mr. Lapelle. Striker informed me that she went away before sunrise.
human
A thousand apologies, he said, shrugging his shoulders.
gpt
I might have known you would not be consulted.
human
I never laid eyes on my half-sister until last night, said Kenneth, determined to hold his temper.
gpt
It is not likely that she would have asked the advice of a total stranger, is it? Especially in so simple a matter as going home when she felt like it.
human
I quite forgot that you are a lawyer, Mr. Gwynne, he said, drily.
gpt
Is it your purpose to hang out your shingle in the town of Lafayette?
human
My plans are indefinite.
gpt
You could do worse, I assure you. The town is bound to grow. It will be an important town in a very few years.