human
Uncle Richard, to-day I was to choose, you know; and I would rather stay at Culm Rock and be your boy than to go back. May I?
gpt
May you? exclaimed Trafford, on the impulse of the moment, while even his heavy heart was glad.
human
How can you ask that? Oh, Noll! do you know what you are doing?
gpt
To be sure, Uncle Richard! I'm going to stay with you,
human
Ah, boy, I fear you will rue it, said his uncle, shaking his head mournfully;
gpt
Why, what do you mean? Noll asked, with a puzzled face,--
human
I know not,--I know not, Trafford answered;
gpt
I don't understand, Uncle Richard,
human
No; how can you? his uncle said, after a pause.
gpt
To _you_, death is only God's hand; to me, it--oh, Noll, I cannot tell you what it is! I don't wish to shock you, boy, but I'm a long way from where your father was when he penned me that calm note,--lying in the very arms of death at the moment. Noll was silent.
human
Yes, continued Trafford,
gpt
Papa lost to you, to me, Uncle Richard? Oh, that is not true at all! Papa _lost_ to us?
human
Not to you, not to you, Noll, thank God! Trafford replied;