human
Father, she said, continuing a conversation,
gpt
Indeed, Winny, I could not add a word more than I have already sed; an' if that fails to bring you round, {258} share I'm dumb, Winny asthore. God's will be done! I'm dumb.
human
It is his will I am seeking, father. What matter if we are the last of the Cavanas, as you say? Beside, my children would not be Cavanas; recollect that, father.
gpt
I know that, Winny jewel; but they'd be of th' ould stock all the same. Their grandfather would be a Cavana, if he lived to see them.
human
Be thankful for what you have, father dear. There never was a large clan of a name but some one of them brought grief to it.
gpt
Ay, Winny asthore; but there is always wan that makes up for it by their superior goodness. Look at me that never had but the wan, an' wasn't she, an' isn't she, a threasure to me all the days of my life? Look at that, Winny.
human
And there is your next-door neighbor, father, never had but the one, and instead of a treasure, has he not been a curse? Look you at that, father.
gpt
Well, Winny asthore, he said, after a pause,
human
I know all that, father dear, and I know it will not be easy to break up all them happy thoughts in your mind. But then you know, father dear, I could not stop here looking across at the house where that man lived. God help me, father, I do not know what to do!