human
It a'n't fitten, Benjamin, he said.
gpt
Your grandmother was never no-way partial to me. I'll come later, ha? You don't take it unkind? That's her house, third back from the hill road, with the two chimbleys. Meanwhile his sad little blue eyes had fixed on a tavern signboard down the riverside street, a yellow rooster against startling blue.
human
She was never no-way partial--
gpt
You are Madam Cory's grandsons?
human
Yes. Word arrived about us?
gpt
A militia rider from Hatfield. Madam Cory is at evening prayers. Come this way. He led them through a chilly entry into a parlor crowded with polished lifeless shapes. Ben selected a black throne; Reuben kept hold of his hand, speechless.
human
I am Jonas Lloyd--sir. Me and m' good wife, we does for Madam Cory. I trust you'll be some comfort in her affliction.... That is the Mister's chair--Mr. Matthew Cory's, your grandfather's. I fear Madam Cory doth prefer it be not used.
gpt
Dare we sit elsewhere?
human
Try it anyway.
gpt
You was here once, Ben. Is the house as you remember it?
human
I can't remember it--I was a pisstail baby.
gpt
I suppose we oughtn't use such words here?
human
You're right. I must remember.
gpt
Did I----
human
Nay, it don't hurt,
gpt
Ben, how ever did we get over the palisade?
human
Jesse--he pulled you up and jumped with you.
gpt
Why can't I remember it?
human
Oh, you was--I don't know. Hush--that's over....