human
I have a mind to gallop to Fish House, said she,
gpt
Shall I come, Jessica?
human
Will you do so?
gpt
You have a fine mare, Mr. Drogue, said she, gently caressing Kaya with her naked heels.
human
No rider better mounted passes Pigeon-Wood.
gpt
Do many riders pass, Jessica?
human
Sir John's company between Fish House and the Hall.
gpt
Any others lately?
human
Yes, there are horsemen who ride swiftly at night. We hear them.
gpt
Who may they be?
human
I do not know, sir.
gpt
Sir John's people?
human
Very like.
gpt
Coming from the North?
human
Yes, from the North.
gpt
Have they waggons to escort?
human
I have heard waggons, too.
gpt
Lately?
human
Yes.
gpt
Have you no better way to please than in catechizing me, John Drogue? she laughed.
human
Do you know what lips were fashioned for except words?
gpt
Are you of Sir John's people?
human
Of them, perhaps, but not now with them, Jessica.
gpt
Oh. The other party?
human
Yes.
gpt
You! A Boston man?
human
Nick and I, both.
gpt
Why?
human
Because we design to live as free as God made us, and not as king-fashioned slaves.
gpt
Oh, la! quoth she, opening her eyes wide,
human
I am.
gpt
No, she whispered, putting both arms around my neck.
human
You are a pretty boy and no Yankee! I do not wish you to be a Boston rebel.
gpt
Are all your lovers King's men?
human
My lovers?
gpt
Yes.
human
Are you one?
gpt
No, said I,
human
I never had a sweetheart, and, indeed, would not know how to conduct----
gpt
We could learn.
human
Listen, said I,
gpt
Nick and I mean no harm in a starlit frolic, where we tarry for a kiss from a pretty maid.
human
No harm?
gpt
Neither that nor better, Jessica. Nor do you; and I know that very well. With me it's a laugh and a kiss and a laugh; and into my stirrups and off.... And you are young and soft and sweet as new maple-sap in the snow. But if you dream like other little birds, of nesting----
human
May a lass not dream in springtime?
gpt
Surely. But let it end so, too.
human
In dreams.
gpt
It is wiser.
human
There is no wisdom in me, pretty boy in buckskin. And I love thrums better than red-coats and lace.
gpt
Love spinning better than either!
human
Oh, la! He preaches of wheels and spindles when my mouth aches for a kiss!
gpt
And mine, said I,
human
Look,