human
The Bible tells us that we should love our enemies, doesn't it, Beth?
gpt
But, Father, you have no enemies worth worrying about! Why should you ask such a question?
human
They may not be worth worrying about, but as I said before I don't seem able to fight off worry as I once could.
gpt
Nonsense! When all this blows over you will see where you have been very foolish to have worried in the least bit. You are not strong, and everything appears worse than it really is.
human
I don't know about that, my dear. I'm not so certain, either, that my enemies are not worth worrying about.
gpt
Of course they're not. Just think how all the people have honored you for what you have done for Little River. Your gifts will not be so quickly forgotten that a total stranger can change the feeling of respect for you among your lifelong friends.
human
I'm aware of all that, and I appreciate it.
gpt
What has all this to do about Uncle Josiah's leaving town?
human
I'm coming to that. Suppose one of those you called my lifelong friends proved to be just the opposite?
gpt
That can't be true about Uncle Josiah!
human
Public expressions of gratitude can never atone for the knife which a supposedly close friend drives into one's heart.
gpt
Beth, Josiah has gone to the city to-night for no good purpose.
human
Do you think he went alone?
gpt
I doubt it. Just what part the other will play, I don't know. But of one thing I'm certain, Josiah is bent on ill.
human
Do you think you are in a position to understand what I'm trying to tell you?
gpt
Father, she said, speaking slowly that she might not lose control of herself,
human
I did not want to tell you the fact, but I fear I must. Of late he has been openly hostile to every suggestion I have made. I presume he thinks I should have secured a boat for him. That may account for his action.
gpt
What dreadful thing has he done? I can't imagine----
human
Crookedness comes from the most unexpected sources,
gpt
But such a thing would not be unexpected from Uncle Josiah, it would be impossible.
human
As I have already suggested, you might not understand me. It seems that you are determined not to understand. It would be very hard for me to have another falling out with my little girl. Maybe I should say nothing further.
gpt
If you are intending to say something against Uncle Josiah, perhaps you had better not say it. I'm afraid I wouldn't understand.