human
Come, come, my son, said he, his own voice low and of a kindness it could assume at times.
gpt
You must not--you must not yield to this, I say. Shake off this melancholy which so obsesses you. I know whence it comes--your father gave it you, and you are not to blame; but you have more than your father's strength to aid you. And you have me, your friend, who can understand.
human
What is it, Merne? he demanded.
gpt
Tell me. Ah, you cannot tell? I know! 'Tis the old melancholy, and something more, Merne, my boy. Tell me--ah, yes, it is a woman!
human
I have often told all my young friends, said Mr. Jefferson slowly, after a time,
gpt
I know very well, my son, the President continued.
human
I know it all. Put her out of your heart, my boy. Would you shame yourself--and her--and me?
gpt
No! Never would I do that, Mr. Jefferson, believe me. But now I must beg of you--please, sir, let me go soon--let it be at once!
human
I must say good-by to you, best and noblest of men. Indeed, I have said good-by to--everything.
gpt
As you say, your case is hopeless?
human
Yes, sir.
gpt
Ah, well, we have both been planning for our Western expedition these ten years, my son; so why should we fret if matters conspire to bring it about a trifle earlier than we planned?
human
I asked you when I was a boy to send me, but you could not then.
gpt
No, but instead I sent yonder maundering Michaux. He, Ledyard, and all the others failed me. They never saw the great vision. There it lies, unknown, tremendous--no man knows what--that new country. I have had to hide from the people of this republic this secret purpose which you and I have had of exploring the vast Western country. I have picked you as the one man fitted for that work. I do not make mistakes. You are a born woodsman and traveler--you are ready to my hand as the instrument for this magnificent adventure. I cannot well spare you now--but yes, you must go!
human
Send me now, Mr. Jefferson! repeated Meriwether Lewis.
gpt
Send me now. I will mend to usefulness again. I will work for you all my life, if need be--and I want my name clear with you.
human
I must yield you to your destiny, said he.
gpt
It will be a great one. He turned aside, a hand to his lip as he paced uncertainly.
human
But I still am wondering what our friends are doing yonder in France, said he.
gpt
That is the question. Livingston, Monroe, and the others--what are they doing with Napoleon Bonaparte? The news from France--but stay, he added.
human
Wait! I had forgotten. Come, we shall see about it!