human
Father, said Placide, joining the group,
gpt
Because he considers it his march.
human
He praised your father--very much, Placide,
gpt
Yes--just as if my father were under him--as if the march were not ours. We began it.
human
I command those who began it--that is, my own family, Placide. I command you to obey Jean, while you are with him. On the other side the river, you shall be commander, all the way to your uncle's house. You will follow his lead, Margot?
gpt
Oh, yes, if he leads straight. Jean is a commander, Placide. Look at his cocked hat.
human
And he calls himself commander-in-chief of the armies of France.
gpt
In Saint Domingo. Well, so he is, said Toussaint, smiling, and pointing to the troop.
human
Here are the armies of the King of France in Saint Domingo; and here Jean commands.
gpt
You see he wants my husband at every turn. I am sure he thinks a great deal of my husband.
human
Toussaint, said Jean,
gpt
I shall introduce you to the Marquis d'Hermona; and I have no doubt he will give you a command.
human
I shall introduce myself to him, Jean.
gpt
But he will be expecting you. He will receive you according to my report--as a man of ability, and a most valuable officer. I sent messengers forward to tell him of my approach with reinforcements; and I gave a prodigious report of you.
human
Still I shall speak for myself, Jean.
gpt
What I now have to ask of you is, that you will dress like an officer-- like me. The uniform is, on the whole, of no great consequence at this season, when the whites wear all the linen, and as little cloth as they can. But the hat. Toussaint--the hat! You will not show yourself to the Marquis d'Hermona in a cap! For my sake, do not show yourself till you have procured a cocked hat.
human
Where did you get yours, Jean?
gpt
We will go as we are, said Toussaint.
human
You look like a commander, as you are--and I look what I am, Toussaint Breda.
gpt
But he will not believe what I shall say of you, if he sees a mere common negro.
human
Then let him disbelieve, till I have shown what I am. We shall find daylight on the other side this ridge.