human
Oh, Uncle Josiah!
gpt
Now, ain't this surprising good luck to find you here! he exclaimed.
human
I was just thinking about you, Beth.
gpt
Do your thoughts of me always make you sing like that?
human
That there song ain't got much music, and I cal'late it don't improve to speak of with my voice, he answered, his swarthy face breaking into a broad smile.
gpt
It must sound funny for an old fish like me to be serenading a young lady like you. Glad you liked the entertainment, Beth.
human
I didn't say I liked it. It made me feel very bad,
gpt
Well, I don't just rec'lect that you spoke favorable on that p'int. I honest didn't know you was about else I'd tried something more fitting to the occasion. Fact is, Beth, I was singing to keep my spirits up.
human
You should be happier than you look, then, for your singing is better than a vaudeville show.
gpt
You ain't none too partic'lar about classing me, be you?
human
Singing isn't in your line, and if I were you I'd not try it.
gpt
Beth, what's wrong? You don't seem real glad to see me.
human
Of course, I'm glad to see you, my dear old sailor Uncle,
gpt
Thanks, Beth. He choked out the words, for as he looked down he saw the sign of tears in her eyes.
human
I've been cruising round nigh onto three days, and that's a purty long spell for the land-lubber I'm getting to be.
gpt
Your return was as sudden as your departure, wasn't it?
human
Sudden? What do you mean by that?
gpt
Just what I say. I was looking for the _Jennie P._ to come into the harbor. Perhaps she came as she went, like the ships that pass in the night.
human
You see me go out, did you, Beth?
gpt
But I did not see you return.
human
I did sort of sneak out. What did you think of me for doing a thing like that?
gpt
I didn't think very highly of you, if you want the honest truth,
human
You ain't mad, are you, Beth?
gpt
Don't you think I have a perfect right to get angry? It was the first time you ever left home without telling me good-bye. Should I like that?
human
I never thought of that. But this here cruise was like the proposing to the old maid: unexpected-like. For that reason I wa'n't prepared for saying good-byes. His eyes clouded as he slowly continued,
gpt
It's a fact, I never went off afore without telling you good-bye. I don't----
human
Take me 'long, Unca Josi?