human
Look at them over there, he whispered, detaining Clara as she passed him.
gpt
Aren't they the Old Guard? I've just counted thirty hands. I guess they've wrung many a chicken's neck and warmed many a boy's jacket for him in their time.
human
No, he reflected;
gpt
He gave Hilda's pigtail a parting tweak and set out after Clara.
human
Where to?
gpt
I'm going to the cellar for preserves.
human
Let me go with you. I never get a moment alone with you. Why do you keep out of my way?
gpt
I don't usually get in anybody's way.
human
What's this? It looks good.
gpt
It is. It's some French brandy father gave me when I was married. Would you like some? Have you a corkscrew? I'll get glasses.
human
Clara Vavrika, do you remember how crazy I used to be about you?
gpt
Boys are always crazy about somebody or other. I dare say some silly has been crazy about Evelina Oleson. You got over it in a hurry.
human
Because I didn't come back, you mean? I had to get on, you know, and it was hard sledding at first. Then I heard you'd married Olaf.
gpt
And then you stayed away from a broken heart,
human
And then I began to think about you more than I had since I first went away. I began to wonder if you were really as you had seemed to me when I was a boy. I thought I'd like to see. I've had lots of girls, but no one ever pulled me the same way. The more I thought about you, the more I remembered how it used to be--like hearing a wild tune you can't resist, calling you out at night. It had been a long while since anything had pulled me out of my boots, and I wondered whether anything ever could again. Nils thrust his hands into his coat pockets and squared his shoulders, as his mother sometimes squared hers, as Olaf, in a clumsier manner, squared his.
gpt
So I thought I'd come back and see. Of course the family have tried to do me, and I rather thought I'd bring out father's will and make a fuss. But they can have their old land; they've put enough sweat into it. He took the flask and filled the two glasses carefully to the brim.
human
I've found out what I want from the Ericsons. Drink _skoal_, Clara. He lifted his glass, and Clara took hers with downcast eyes.
gpt
Look at me, Clara Vavrika. _Skoal!_