human
Has the machine gone wrong?
gpt
Yes, pretty badly. I can't find out what's the matter. I suppose you think it's a just punishment for bringing such things to Allenwood?
human
Well, you gave our friends some offense when you brought your plow over and broke Kenwyne's land.
gpt
I expected that. There'll no doubt be more remarks when I break the piece of stiff gumbo on Lance's holding.
human
You mean to do that? You must know it will cause trouble,
gpt
I'm sorry to displease you; but this is something that must be done.
human
Why must it? Do you wish Lance to offend his father?
gpt
No; but Colonel Mowbray has no cause for complaint. He gave the land to Lance on the understanding that he worked it; there's no reason why he should object to his using the best implements. Then, Lance is your brother and I don't want to see him ruined.
human
Do you think the only way of escaping ruin is to copy you?
gpt
You see, he explained, in a voice that he might have used to an offended child,
human
It sounds plausible, she admitted.
gpt
In a way, perhaps, you're right; but----
human
I know. There's much that's fine and graceful in the customs of the past. But you can't preserve them without some adaptation. We're a new nation working in the melting pot. All the scum and dross comes to the top and makes an ugly mess, but the frothing up clarifies the rest. By and by the product will be run out, hard, true metal.
gpt
You're an optimist.
human
I'm talking at random; it's a weakness of mine.
gpt
Do you intend to continue the breaking to where your partner is at work?
human
I'm going farther back. You can see our guide-poles on the top of the last ridge.
gpt
But isn't it rash to sow so much, unless you have a reserve to carry you over a bad harvest? Suppose the summer's dry or we get autumn frost?
human
Then, said Harding grimly,
gpt
But why do you take such a risk? Doesn't it daunt you?