human
You may turn your head away as if I was dirt, you little fool, and you may call me what names you please; but I'm raising this question for your good, not my own. What do I care? Only it's a man's part to step in when he sees a woman being trampled on.
gpt
A man! she said.
human
You'm not in our lives any more, an' we doan't want 'e in 'em. More like to a meddlin' auld woman than a man, if you ax me.
gpt
You can say that? Then we'll put you out of the question. I, at least, shall do my duty.
human
Is it part of your duty to bully me here alone? Why doan't 'e faace the man, like a man, 'stead of blusterin' to me 'bout it? Out on you! Let me pass, I tell 'e.
gpt
Doan't make that noise. Just listen and stand still. I'm in earnest. It pleases me to know the true history of this child, and I mean to. As a Justice of the Peace I mean to.
human
Ax Will Blanchard then an' let him answer. Maybe you'll be sorry you spoke arter.
gpt
You can tell him I want to see him; you can say I order him to come to the Red House between eight and nine next Monday.
human
Be you a fule? Who's he, to come at your bidding?
gpt
He's a--well, no matter. You've got enough to trouble you. But I think he will come. Tell him that I know where he was during the autumn and winter of the year that I returned home from Africa. Tell him I know where he came from to marry you. Tell him the grey suit of clothes reached the owner safely--remember, the grey suit of clothes. That will refresh his memory. Then I think he will come fast enough and let me have the truth concerning this brat. If he refuses, I shall take steps to see justice done.
human
I lay he's never put himself in the power of a black-hearted, cruel beast like you,
gpt
Has he not? Ask him. You don't know where he was during those months? I thought you didn't. I do. Perhaps this child--perhaps the other woman's the married one--