human
Tom, you’ve been sick, said Jo, stopping short and leaning toward him.
gpt
I hated not to come to you—but I couldn’t.
human
I’ll remember that, Tom, when the curé asks for help this winter. And, Tom, how goes life?
gpt
I want to get away, Mam’selle Jo. I can never make anything of myself here. Sometimes, the boy smiled grimly,
human
No, Tom, not the tavern! Remember what I’ve always told you, boy, of the night your mother went. She said you paid for all she had suffered! Tom, when you get down and things look black, just remember and keep on being worth what she went through. It was worse than anything you’ll ever be called upon to bear.
gpt
I’m holding close, he said grimly.
human
Holding close to—I don’t know what.
gpt
That’s it, Tom, we don’t know what; but it’s something, isn’t it?
human
Yes, Mam’selle.
gpt
Now listen, Tom. How old are you? Let me see——
human
Sixteen, Mam’selle.
gpt
To be sure. And you study hard at the school, the curé has told me. And you mend the roads in the summer with the men?
human
Yes, Mam’selle, Tom grinned,
gpt
Good! Well, Tom, this winter, study as you never have before and next summer, if the men come, work and save. You shall go away some day, that I swear. I’ll promise that, but it must be a secret. You shall have your chance.
human
Mam’selle!
gpt
You’ve got to pay for all your mother suffered! Jo’s lips quivered.
human
It’s the least you can do.