human
Good aunt, came the reply,
gpt
I would have sought you earlier, had I known you were in this land. I have not long held command, and my hands have been filled in crushing the strength of the Iroquois. I entreat you both to return with me now and take up your abode at the fortress, not indeed as my guests, but as an honoured mother and sister.
human
Pretty talk, sniffed Madame.
gpt
I said in the old days you would make a courtier. So you, the governor of the land, knew nothing of this home of your poor relations a paltry two days' journey beyond the river. There is no man so blind as he who makes a living by that infirmity. This girl tells me that my son is dead. Died he in the faith of the Church?
human
Surely, said Roussilac.
gpt
But tell me I pray, good aunt, is it true, as this Indian says, that the English spy has already escaped?
human
Yes, he has gone, cried Madeleine, flushing warmly.
gpt
He has gone, Arnaud, to--to the west.
human
And why, fair cousin, he asked, addressing her with marked deference,
gpt
Indeed I know not why he should seek the west, Madeleine replied, between tears and laughter.
human
But I do assure you he has gone in that direction----
gpt
Peace, girl, her mother cried.
human
The fool lies to you, Arnaud. She is a heretic, shame though it be, and her master is the father of lies. 'Tis true the English spy escaped in the early morning, but he knows not the land, and may yet be secured. I am surrounded all my life long by wickedness, the bitter woman continued.
gpt
My husband was perverted by the sin of science. Jean-Marie was but a knave. He left me here. Madeleine is a heretic, and she has threatened to leave me also. Well, I will come with you, Arnaud, but see that you give me a scented pillow for my head and a cup of warm wine at evening. Stand not there, nephew, like a wooden stock, but command one of yonder evil-faced rogues to bring up a horse fitted for the age and dignity of the first lady in this thrice-accursed land.