human
Storm never continues, I notice. The sky itself can't maintain it, nor can we. Always the calm afterward--here, Ben, or in the Spice Islands.
gpt
There are storms then in the Spice Islands?
human
Of course, Ben....
gpt
Did my father have--have aught to say of poor Ledyard?
human
Oh, he.... Why, he prayed God deal kindly with him. And he said not a word against him when we'd entered the harbor and the men who came aboard were questioning us. True, he had little time for words, Charity, since death was on him while he spoke, and it took him, his head on my arm, before the men were ready to lower him into the boat that should have brought him ashore.... Yesterday when I went into Boston I sought out Ledyard's widow, and told her how he aided us, and then I--a white lie, I said he was washed overboard. Your father would have approved this deception, I'm sure of it. I wish he could have lived to see you again, Charity--still it's a marvel he could even live out the homeward voyage, he was that wasted and worn out with the sickness from his wound. But he did, and his word stood like a shield for me, so that when I gave mine own account they believed me. Charity, when he'd done speaking I asked him if I might not bring him something to drink. He laughed at me a little, saying he had not the craving. He said: 'Do you drink to me as well as pray for me if you're a-mind.' That was the last he spoke.... Are you dreaming, Charity?
gpt
She's human too, you know.
human
Oh, Ben, I was remembering how it was when they brought him home to us. Is it possible that was only three weeks ago now? And thinking of the burial, and how all the things we did--all the words spoken, ours, the minister's, our friends'--how all that was so far from--him. Am I a terrible bad heathen, that I should have felt--well, angry at it? But mark you, Ben, I did _not_ show it, I did _not_ have one of my--my Times. Did I? Did I show it, Ben?
gpt
Certainly not. You was a most quiet sweet mouse and opened your mouth for naught but Amen and Thine-is-the-power.
human
Faith and Mama in tears all day, and the neighbors resenting my dry eyes, be sure of it, and good Mr. Hoskison so--marry, so important! As if motions of the hands and holy words spoken could make any difference to one who's died and gone away. But you don't think I'm a terrible bad heathen?
gpt
You are not, but if Ben and I labor with you long enough, love, perhaps we can make you one. I have hopes.
human
Oh, you!
gpt
No, Charity, never mind the pup, you're no heathen, or if you are, then I too. I've no patience with--let's call it mummery. I saw your father die. He was a captain of men, and he died well. No words spoken over his body can add anything to that. Such words are for the living, if they wish them. No one spoke them for Daniel Shawn, and though it may be that I killed him, I loved him too.