human
May I take the liberty? I saw you settin' by the window this wet day,
gpt
Walk right in, sir; do!
human
I'm glad, ma'am, to find you alone. I have long had it in mind to speak with you on a matter of interest to us both.
gpt
It relates to the future, explained Captain Asa Shaw.
human
I make no doubt you have seen what my feelin's have been this good while. I can offer you a good home, and I shall want you to have your liberty.
gpt
I enjoy a good home and my liberty now,
human
I mean liberty to use my means, and to have plenty to do with, so as to make you feel comfortable, explained the captain, reddening.
gpt
Mis' Lunn, I'm a straight-forward business man, and I intend business now. I don't know any of your flowery ways of sayin' things, but there ain't anybody in Longport I'd like better to see at the head of my house. You and I ain't young, but we
human
Don't say a word, sir, protested Mrs. Lunn.
gpt
You can get you just as good housekeepers as I am. I don't feel to change my situation just at present, sir.
human
Is that final? said Captain Shaw, looking crestfallen.
gpt
Come now, Maria! I'm a good-hearted man, I'm worth over forty thousand dollars, and I'll make you a good husband, I promise. Here's the minister on your hands, I know. I did feel all ashore when I found you'd promised to take him in. I tried to get a chance to speak with you before you went off, but when I come home from New York 't was the first news I heard. I don't deem it best for you; you can't make nothin' out o' one boarder, anyway. I tried it once myself.
human
Excuse me, Mr. Shaw, said Mrs. Lunn coldly;
gpt
I know my own business best. You have had my answer, sir. She added in a more amiable tone,
human
Not but what I feel obliged to you for payin' me the compliment.