human
A good journey, Meriwether Lewis, said she,
gpt
I ask you not to wound me more than need be. I am hard to die. I can carry many wounds, but they may pain me none the less.
human
Forgive me, then, she said, and once more her small hand reached out toward him.
gpt
I would not wound you. I asked you only to remember me as----
human
As----
gpt
As I shall you, of course. And I remember that bright day when you came to me--yonder in New York. You offered me all that any man can ever offer any woman. I am proud of that! I told my husband, yes. He never mentions your name save in seriousness and respect. I am ambitious for you. All the Burrs are full of ambition, and I am a Burr, as you know. How long will it be before you come back to higher office and higher place? Will it be six months hence?
human
More likely six years. If there is healing for me, the wilderness alone must give it.
gpt
I shall be an old woman--old and sallow from the Carolina suns. You will have forgotten me then.
human
It is enough, said he.
gpt
You have lightened my burden for me as much as may be--you have made the trial as easy as any can. The rest is for me. At least I can go feeling that I have not wronged you in any way.
human
Yes, Meriwether Lewis, said she quietly,
gpt
I said, madam, that I am hard to die. I asked you not to wound me overmuch. Do not talk to me of hopes or sympathy. I do not ask--I will not have it! Only this remains to comfort me--if I had laid on my soul the memory of one secret that I had dared to place on yours, ah, then, how wretched would life be for me forever after! That thought, it seems to me, I could not endure.
human
Go, then, my savage gentleman, and let me----
gpt
And let you never see my face again?
human
Women worth loving are so few! she said slowly.
gpt
Clean men are so few! How a woman could have loved you, Meriwether Lewis! How some woman ought to love you! Yes, go now, she concluded.
human
Yes, go!
gpt
Mrs. Alston will wait with you here for a few moments, said Meriwether Lewis to the miller's wife quietly. He stood with his bridle rein across his arm.
human
See that she is very comfortable. She might have a second cup of your good coffee?