human
In two weeks,
gpt
Do you know how long you have been here?
human
A month today, Mr. Drogue.
gpt
What preys upon your mind, Mr. Drogue?
human
Sir?
gpt
I ask you what it is that troubles you.
human
I have nothing on my mind, sir, save desire to return to duty.
gpt
You would mend more quickly, sir, if your mind were tranquil.
human
Why do you suppose that my mind is uneasy, Doctor?
gpt
You have asked no questions. A sick man, when recovering, asks many. You seem to remain incurious, indifferent. Yet, you are in the house of old friends.
human
Also, he said,
gpt
Did I babble?
human
A feverish patient often becomes loquacious.
gpt
Of--of whom did I--rave? I could scarce force myself to the question. Then, as he also seemed embarrassed, I added:
human
You need not name her, Doctor. But I beg you to tell me who besides yourself overheard me.
gpt
Only your soldier, Nicholas Stoner, and a Saguenay Indian, who squats outside your door day and night.
human
Nobody else?
gpt
I think not.
human
Has Lady Johnson heard me? Or Mistress Swift? Or--Mistress Grant?
gpt
Why, no, said he.
human
These ladies were most tender and attentive when your soldiers brought you hither; but two days afterward, while you still lay unconscious,--and your right lung filling solid,--there came a flag from General Schuyler, and an escort of Albany Horse for the ladies. And they departed as prisoners the following morning, with their flag, to be delivered and set at liberty inside the British lines.
gpt
They are gone?
human
Yes, sir. Lady Johnson, while happy in her prospective freedom, and hopeful of meeting her husband in New York City, seemed very greatly distressed to leave you here in such a plight. And Mistress Swift offered to remain and care for you, but our military authorities would not allow it.
gpt
Our authorities, I take it, were impatient to be rid of responsibility for these fair prisoners, Mr. Drogue. I know that Schuyler is vastly relieved.
human
Has Stephen Watts been taken? I asked abruptly.
gpt
Or Hare, or Butler?
human
Not that I have heard of.