book_id
stringlengths 2
6
| title
stringclasses 1
value | author
stringclasses 1
value | conversations
listlengths 1
5.07k
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|---|---|---|---|
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No soul can hear us, said she;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Packhorse. She brought it to him and showed him"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "G. G."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Here are your initials, said she,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My name is Griffith Gaunt."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Go on, said she, in an agonized whisper:"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "So be it, said Griffith, desperately:"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Who is Kate?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Kate is--MY WIFE."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I thought her false; who could think any other; appearances were so strong against her: others thought so beside me. I raised my hand to kill her; but she never winced. I trampled on him I believed her paramour: I fled, and soon I lay a dying in this house for her sake. I told thee she was dead. Alas! I thought her dead to me. I went back to our house (it is her house) sore against the grain, to get money for thee and thine. Then she cleared herself, bright as the sun, and pure as snow. She was all in black for me; she had put by money, against I should come to my senses and need it. I told her I owed a debt in Lancashire, a debt of gratitude as well as money: and so I did. How have I repaid it? The poor soul forced five hundred pounds on me. I had much ado to keep her from bringing it hither with her own hands; oh, villain! villain! Then I thought to leave thee, and send thee word I was dead; and heap money on thee. Money! But how could I? Thou wast my benefactress, my more than wife. All the riches of the world can make no return to thee. What, what shall I do? Shall I fly with thee and thy child across the seas? Shall I go back to her? No, the best thing I can do is to take this good pistol, and let the life out of my dishonorable carcass, and free two honest women from me by one resolute act."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I would not harm thy body, nor thy soul, she gasped."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Let me draw my breath, and think."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Go tell the truth to _her_, as you have done to me: and, if she can forgive you, all the better for you. I can never forgive you, nor yet can harm you. My child, my child! Thy father is our ruin. Oh begone, man, or the sight of you will kill us both."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tempt me not, she sobbed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Go: leave me. None here shall ever know thy crime, but she whose heart thou hast broken, and ruined her good name."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I do not know where he is, said she,"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That is the way with these men that are so ready to suspect others. Take my word for it. Dame, he has carried your money to his leman. 'Tis still the honest woman that must bleed for some nasty trollop or other."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ay, said she,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Waiting for the master still? Mayhap I could cure you of that complaint. But least said is soonest mended."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Prove that to me, said Ryder, cunningly,"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can't stay any longer with you just now. She will want me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You will meet me here again, lass?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, for a minute, after supper."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What is the matter, child? said Mrs. Gaunt."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Good Heavens! what hath happened?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dame! said Ryder, sternly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have got news of him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "News of him? faltered Mrs. Gaunt."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Bad news?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't know whether to tell you or not,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What cannot I bear? What have I not borne? Tell me the truth."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, it is as I said; only worse. Dame, he has got a wife and child in another county; and no doubt been deceiving her, as he has us."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A wife!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ay, Thomas Leicester, that is in the kitchen now, saw her, and saw his picture hanging aside hers on the wall. And he goes by the name of Thomas Leicester: that was what made Tom go into the inn, seeing his own name on the sign-board. Nay, Dame, never give way like that, lean on me; so. He is a villain, a false, jealous, double-faced villain."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, Dame, the Master is come home. He is in the kitchen."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll drive this into his heart before them all, she cried,"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lasses, said he, hastily,"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hath Thomas Leicester been here?"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then he is sure to come here, said Jane, adroitly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He wouldn't ever think to go by us."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The moment he enters the house you let me know. He is a mischief-making loon."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She is well, just now, said Ryder;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, sir! said Ryder, firmly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Come with me. I want to speak to you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Master, said she, solemnly;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Poor Kate! said he,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, sir, replied Ryder,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why, that is the least I can do, said Griffith."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Put you out what I am to wear, and then run and say I'll be with them anon."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, Sir George, said she,"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Rarities are the more welcome,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Madam, said Griffith,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am in your debt for that explanation; but I hope you will be no rarity here, for all that."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Such a meeting of man and wife, I never saw."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh! said he, bitterly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He does not always deserve to he,"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What sort of a reception was that you gave me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Too good for thee, thou heartless creature! Thomas Leicester is here, and I know thee for a villain."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You know nothing, cried Griffith."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Would you believe that mischief-making knave? What has he told you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Go back to her! cried Mrs. Gaunt furiously."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Me you can deceive and pillage no more. So, this was your jealousy! False and forsworn yourself, you dared to suspect and insult me. Ah! and you think I am the woman to endure this? I'll have your life for it! I'll have your life."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll soon be rid of you, and your love, said the raging woman."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The constables shall come for you to-morrow. You have seen how I can love, you shall know how I can hate."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Take that reptile to his den, if he is mean enough to lie in this house: then, lowering her voice,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You have betrayed me, said he."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Curse my weak heart, and my loose tongue. I have done the poor Squire an ill turn. I can never look him in the face again. But 'tis all thy fault, double-face. I hate the sight of thee."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He'll break every bone in my skin, said Tom;"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That is where you are to sleep,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is better than I deserve,"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, sir, said she,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Much better: would to Heaven I had!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What d'ye mean to do now? You know the saying. Between two stools--."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Child, said Griffith, faintly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come, come, said Ryder, relenting a little,"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Help! help!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Murder! Help! Murder!"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What means all this? said she."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Did I not hear cries outside?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ay, said Ryder:"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Murder! and a pistol fired. Oh, my poor master!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Light torches this moment, and search the place,"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He is a villain, said she,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Humph! said Ryder. Then, looking Mrs. Gaunt In the face, she said, quietly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Where were you when you heard the cries?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was on the other side of the house."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What, out o'doors, at that time of night!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ay; I was in the grove. Praying."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did you hear any voice you knew?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No: all was too indistinct. I heard a pistol, but no words. Did you?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I heard no more than you, madam,"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This last insult is known but to you and me. If it ever gets abroad, you leave my service that very hour."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He will never come back at all."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He will never come into that fortune."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Griffith Gaunt hath met with foul play."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He came to stay?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I believe so."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Came on horseback?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did he go away on horseback?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No: for the horse is now in my stable."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is it true there was a quarrel between you and him that evening?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Gentlemen, said Mrs. Gaunt, drawing herself back, haughtily,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, madam, said the elder of the two;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There was--a mortal quarrel."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "May we ask the subject of that quarrel?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you aware, madam, that your husband's voice was heard calling for help, and that a pistol-shot was fired?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I heard the pistol shot, said she,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ryder, who is he?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ryder is my lady's-maid: her bedroom is on that side the house."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Can we see Mrs. Ryder?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Certainly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Help! and"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Murder!"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What suspicion, pray?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That you have done Gaunt the honor--to put him out of the way."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What! she cried,"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do what you conceive to be your duty, gentlemen, said Mrs. Gaunt, with marvellous dignity."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If I do not assert my innocence, it is because I disdain the accusation too much."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I shall take no part in the committal of this innocent lady,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "To be guilty, is one thing, said she,"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am here for the accused person, sir, and, with your good leave, object to her committal--on grounds of law."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What may they be, Mr. Houseman?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Briefly, sir, these. Where a murder is proven, you can commit a subject of this realm upon suspicion. But you cannot suspect the murder as well as the culprit, and so commit. The murder must be proved to the senses. Now in this case the death of Mr. Gaunt by violence is not proved. Indeed his very death rests but upon suspicion. I admit that the law of England in this respect has once or twice been tampered with, and persons have even been executed where no corpus delicti was found; but what was the consequence? In each ease the murdered man turned out to be alive, and justice was the only murderer. After Harrison's case, and *'s, no Cumberland jury will ever commit for murder, unless the corpus delicti has been found, and with signs of violence upon it. Come, come, Mr. Atkins, you are too good a lawyer, and too humane a man, to send my client to prison on the suspicion of a suspicion, which you know the very breath of the judge will blow away, even if the grand jury let it go into court. I offer bail, ten thousand pounds in two sureties; Sir George Neville here present, and myself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am not employed by the Crown, said that gentleman,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I answer for her, she will."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then, said Atkins,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I ask leave to drag, and, if need be, to drain, that piece of water there, called 'the mere.'"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Drag it, or drain it, which you will,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And, mark my words, at the bottom of that very sheet of water there, I shall find the remains of the late Griffith Gaunt."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Find him, and I'll admit suicide; find him, with signs of violence, and I'll admit homicide, by some person or persons unknown."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I think there should be constables about, in case of an escape being attempted; but I agree with Mr. Houseman, that your worships will be quite justified in taking bail, provided the corpus delicti should not be found. Gentlemen, you were most of you neighbors and friends of the deceased, and are, I am sure, lovers of justice: I do entreat you to aid me in searching that piece of water, by the side of which the deceased gentleman was heard to cry for help; and, much I fear, he cried in vain."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Draw slowly, said Sir. Atkins,"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Show me, she gasped,"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "THE SHOES! THE SHOES!--IT IS NOT MY GRIFFITH."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "On behalf of the accused, said he,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I admit the suicide of some person unknown, wearing heavy hobnailed shoes; probably one of the lower order of people."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My master had a long black mole on his forehead,"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Gentlemen, said the coroner solemnly,"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Murderess!--Bloody Papist!--Hast done to death the kindliest gentleman in Cumberland. We'll all come to see thee hanged.--Fair face but foul heart!"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If he is dead, said she,"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I believe he is alive, and that I can guess where he is at this moment."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, sirs; so sure as we sit here, he is now at a little inn in Lancashire, called the 'Packhorse,' with a woman he calls his wife."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And so now, said she,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I believe you can save my life, if you think it is worth saving."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Great Heaven! madam, said he, roughly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Because I am not a man--to go and tell everything all at once, sobbed Mrs. Gaunt."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Besides, I wanted to shield his good name, whose dear life they pretend I have taken."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Packhorse for her. Sir George assented eagerly; but asked how he was to find it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have thought of that too, said she."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "His black horse has been to and fro. Ride that horse into Lancashire, and give him his head: ten to one but he takes you to the place, or where you may hear of it. If not, go to Lancaster, and ask about the 'Packhorse.' He wrote to me from Lancaster: see."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'll be at Hernshaw in one hour, said he,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Excuse me, said Houseman;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nay, said Mrs. Gaunt,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Sir George is young and handsome: if he manages well, she will tell him more than she will you. All I beg of him is, to drop the chevalier, for this once, and see women with a woman's eyes and not a man's; see them _as they are._ Do not go telling a creature of this kind that she has had my money, as well as my husband, and ought to pity me lying here in prison. Keep me out of her sight as much as you can. Whether Griffith hath deceived her or not you will never raise in her any feeling but love for him, and hatred for his lawful wife. Dress like a yeoman; go quietly, and lodge in the house a day or two; begin by flattering her; and then get from her when she saw him last, or heard from him. But indeed I fear you will surprise him with her."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fear?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, hope, then, said the lady; and a tear trickled down her face in a moment."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But, if you do, promise me, on your honor as a gentleman, not to affront him. For I know you think him a villain."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A d----d villain! saving your presence."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, sir, you have said it to me. Now promise me to say nought to _him_, but just this: 'Rose Gaunt's mother she lies in Carlisle gaol, to be tried for her life for murdering you. She begs of you not to let her die publicly upon the scaffold; but quietly at home, of her broken heart.'"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Write it, said Sir George, with the tears in his eyes,"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Packhorse,"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thomas Leicester! said the girl."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He is not at home. But I'll send Master Vint."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Leastways, said he,"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I hear, sir, said she,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "From whom had you the black horse you ride?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I had him of a lady in Cumberland, one Mistress Gaunt."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No doubt, said she, softly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Excuse my question; you shall understand that the horse is well known here."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Madam, said Sir George,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I thank you, sir, said Mercy,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I have no desire, for the horse whatever; and be pleased to excuse my curiosity; you must think me impertinent."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nay, madam, said Sir George,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I consider nothing impertinent that hath procured me the pleasure of an interview with you."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What! do I seem so vain a creature as to believe all this?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, sir, 'tis best to be straightforward, especially with women-folk. Before he could recover this little facer, she said, quietly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What is your name?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "George Neville."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, George Neville, said Mercy, very slowly and softly,"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Flatter her! said he, to himself,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I might as well flatter an iceberg. Out-wit her! I feel like a child beside her."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Pass on, good woman, said he,"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She cannot be an ill woman, thought Sir George."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll e'en go by my own eyes and judgment. After all, Mrs. Gaunt has never seen her; and I have."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come in,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Madam, I see you can feel for the unhappy; so I take my own way now, and appeal to your pity. I _have_ come to speak to you on the saddest business."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You come from _him_,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nay, madam, said Sir George,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I come from _her._"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, madam! he cried, piteously,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How should I know where the lady is?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well then, she lies in Carlisle gaol."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She--lies--in Carlisle gaol?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They accuse her of murdering her husband."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, no, no, cried Sir George,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What is that to _me?_ cried Mercy, wildly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He is murdered, he is dead, and my child an orphan."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But I tell you he is not dead at all, cried Sir George."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "More than six weeks ago."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I mean, when did you hear from him last?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Never, since that day."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "said she."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What does that woman say for herself?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Madam, said Sir George, dejectedly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Heaven knows you are in no condition to fathom a mystery that hath puzzled wiser heads than yours or mine; and I am but little able to lay the tale before you fairly: for your grief it moves me deeply, and I could curse myself for putting the matter to you so bluntly and uncouthly. Permit me to retire a while, and compose my own spirits for the task I have undertaken too rashly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nay, George Neville, said Mercy,"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My mind is stronger than my heart, she said."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll hear it all, though it kill me where I sit."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You wish to know the truth in this dark matter: for dark it is in very sooth."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then take my hand, said Mercy,"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thou God, to whom all hearts be known, and no secrets hid from thine eye, look down now on thy servant in sore trouble, that putteth her trust in thee. Give wisdom to the simple this day, and understanding to the lowly. Thou that didst reveal to babes and sucklings the great things that were hidden from the wise, oh show us the truth in this dark matter: enlighten us by thy spirit, for his dear sake, who suffered more sorrows than I suffer now. Amen. Amen."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Amen,"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Packhorse,"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "GEORGE NEVILLE."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mercy Vint sends you her duty; and she will speak to you at nine of the clock to-morrow morning. Pray for light."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm loath to let him go, said she to Neville:"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That is just what she does."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No doubt, sir; and the upshot is, I don't _feel_ as if he was dead. Thank God."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That is something,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And now, said she, thoughtfully,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nay, I know not,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Bethink you. 'Tis a question that must have been often put in your hearing."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Begging your pardon, it was never put at all; nor do I see--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What, not at the inquest?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That is very strange. What, so many wise heads have bent over this riddle, and not one to ask how was you pedlar shod!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Madam, said Sir George,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hath he been seen since?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not he; and that hath an ugly look; for the constables are out after him with hue and cry; but he is not to be found."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then, said Mercy,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I must e'en answer my own question. I do know how that pedlar was shod. With hobnailed shoes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ay, said Mercy,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ay, but, said he,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I forget nought, said Mercy, calmly."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The pedlar had a black mole over his left temple, he showed it me in this very room. You have found the body of Thomas Leicester, and Griffith Gaunt is hiding from the law that he hath broken, he is afeared of her and her friends if he shows his face in Cumberland; he is afeared of my folk if he be seen in Lancashire. Ah, Thomas, as if I would let them harm thee!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, blessed day that I came hither. Madam you are an angel. You will save an innocent broken-hearted lady from death and dishonor. Your good heart and rare wit have read in a moment the dark riddle that hath puzzled a county."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "George, said Mercy, gravely,"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My shame would be public. I must tell who I am; and what. A ruined woman."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Say rather an injured saint. You have nothing to be ashamed of. All good men would feel for you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ay, but the women; shame is shame with us; right or wrong goes for little. Nay, I hope to do better for you than that. I must find _him_: and send him to deliver her. 'Tis his only chance of happiness."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If Thomas Leicester, who went from the Packhorse"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Packhorse,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Madam, said he,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This is all very well, said she."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But 'twill avail me little unless _he_ comes before the judge and clears me; and she will never let him do that."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ay, that she will--if she can find him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If she can find him? How simple you are."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nay, madam, not so simple but I can tell a good woman from a bad one, and a true from a false."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What! when you are in love with her? Not if you were the wisest of your sex."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In love with her?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ay, said the lady."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Think you I cannot tell? Don't deceive yourself. You have gone and fallen in love with her. At your years! Not that 'tis any business of mine."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, madam, said Sir George, stiffly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'd as lieve die as owe anything to that woman."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why hate her? She does not hate you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh yes she does. Tis not in nature she should do any other."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Her acts prove the contrary."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her acts! she has _done_ nothing, but make fair promises; and that has blinded you. Women of this sort are very cunning, and never show their real characters to a man. No more; prithee mention not her name to me. It makes me ill. I know he is with her at this moment. Ah, let me die, and be forgotten: since I am no more beloved."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Get her to swear to those hobnailed shoes, said he,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He then let Sir George know that he had obtained private information, which he would use in cross-examining a principal witness for the Crown."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "However, he added,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do not despair on that score, said Neville."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I believe our good angel will produce him."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Pray."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Drain that water."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Drain the mere? Let the Crown do that. We should but fish up more trouble. And prayer quo' she! 'Tis not prayers we want, but evidence."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The witness has disappeared, sir. Left home last Tuesday, with her child, and has never been seen nor heard of since."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The noble heart sees base things noble. No wonder then an artful woman deluded _you._ He has left England with her; and condemned me to the gallows. In cold blood. So be it. I shall defend myself."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm going to Hernshaw."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What, at this time of night? What to do?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To obey my orders. To drain the mere."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And who could have ordered you to drain my mere?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mercy Vint."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We have lost an invaluable witness in that woman, said he."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I was mad to think she would come."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I would not have her come for all the world, said she."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "For Heaven's sake never mention her name to me. I want help from none but friends. Send Mrs. Houseman to me in the morning; and do not distress yourself so. I shall defend myself far better than you think. I have not studied a hundred trials for nought."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then may God forgive them!"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The King _versus_ Catherine Gaunt."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Catherine Gaunt, hold up thy hand."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How sayest thou, Catherine Gaunt, art thou guilty of the felony and murder whereof thou standest indicted--or not guilty?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am not guilty."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Culprit, how wilt thou be tried?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Culprit I am none, but only accused: I will be tried by God and my country."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "God send thee a good deliverance."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My Lord, said she,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have first a favor to ask: and that favor, methinks, you will grant, since it is but justice, impartial justice. My accuser, I hear, has too counsel; both learned and able. I am but a woman, and no match for their skill; therefore, I beg your Lordship to allow me counsel on my defense, to matter of fact as well as of law. I know this is not usual; but it is just; and I am informed it has sometimes been granted in trials of life and death, and that your Lordship hath the _power_, if you have the _will_, to do me so much justice."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The prisoner is misinformed. The truth is, that from time immemorial, and down to the other day, a person indicted for a capital offense was never allowed counsel at all, except to matters of law, and these must be started by himself. By recent practice, the rule hath been so far relaxed, that counsel have sometimes been permitted to examine, and cross-examine, witnesses for a prisoner; but never to make observations on the evidence, nor to draw inferences from it to the point in issue."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My Lord, we, that are of counsel for the Crown, desire to do nothing that is hard where a person's life is at stake. We yield to the prisoner any indulgence for which your Lordship can find a precedent in your reading; but no more: and so we leave the matter to you."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "None, my Lord, said she."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Half justice is injustice; and I will lend it no color. I will not set able men to fight for me with their hands tied, against men as able whose hands be free. Counsel, on terms so partial, I will have none. My counsel shall be three, and no more. Yourself, my Lord,--my Innocence,--and the Lord God Omniscient."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Joseph King, look upon the prisoner.--You shall well and truly try, and true deliverance make, between our Sovereign Lord the King and the prisoner at the bar, whom you shall have in charge, and a true verdict give, according to the evidence. So help you God."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Presently in comes the prisoner from out of doors. This is at one o'clock in the morning. How she appears to have seen at once that she must explain her being abroad at that time, so she told Mrs. Ryder that she had been out--praying."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But here an unforeseen circumstance befriended the prisoner. It seems that piece of water swarms with enormous pike and other ravenous fish. These had so horribly mutilated the deceased, that neither form nor feature remained to swear by: and, as the law wisely and humanely demands that in these eases a body shall be identified beyond doubt, justice bade fair to be baffled again. But lo! as often happens in case of murder, Providence interposed and pointed with unerring finger to a slight but infallible mark. The deceased gentleman was known to have a large mole over his left temple. It had been noticed by his servants, and his neighbors. Well, gentlemen, the greedy fish had spared this mole; spared it perhaps by His command who bade the whale swallow Jonah, yet not destroy him. There it was, clear and infallible. It was examined by several witnesses; it was recognized; it completed that chain of evidence, some of it direct, some of it circumstantial, which I have laid before you very briefly, and every part of which I shall now support by credible witnesses."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You say the pedlar was a hundred yards behind my husband. Which of the two men was walking fastest?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, I think the Squire was walking rather the smartest of the two."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did the pedlar seem likely to overtake him?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nay. Ye see, Dame, Squire he walked straight on; but the pedlar he took both sides of the road at oust, as the saying is."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Did you find any signs of violence?"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Me handle a thing hot from the hand of a murderess! It makes me tremble all over."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My lord, I welcome the insult that has disgusted your lordship and the gentlemen of the jury, and won me those good words of comfort. To Ryder--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What sort of a night was it?"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Who is this Caroline Plunkett?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I ask you who is this Caroline Plunkett?"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My lord, have pity on me. I was betrayed, abandoned. Why am I so tormented? I have not committed murder."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "and the"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Were you and the prisoner on good terms?"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But here, they put the cart before the horse; they find a dead body, with no marks of violence whatever; and labour to prove by circumstantial evidence alone that this mere dead body is a murdered body. This, I am advised, is bad in law, and contrary to general precedents; and the particular precedents for it are not examples, but warnings; since both the prisoners so rashly convicted were proved innocent, after their execution."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then, to go from principles to the facts, I agree and admit that, in a moment of anger, I was so transported out of myself as to threaten my husband's life before Caroline Ryder. But afterwards, when I saw him face to face, then, that I threatened him with _violence_, that I deny. The fact is I had just learned that he had committed a capital offense: and what I threatened him with was the law. This was proved by Jane Bannister. She says she heard me say the constables should come for him next morning. For what? to murder him?"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let it not seem incredible to you that I should pray out of doors in my grove, on a fine clear starry night. For aught I know, Protestants may pray only by the fireside. But, remember, I am a Catholic. We are not so contracted in our praying. We do not confine it to little comfortable places. Nay, but for seventeen hundred years and more we have prayed out of doors as much as in doors. And this our custom is no fit subject for a shallow sneer. How does the learned sergeant know that, beneath the vault of heaven at night, studded with those angelic eyes, the stars, is an unfit place to bend the knee, and raise the soul in prayer? Has he ever tried it?"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I say, then, generally, that when the sun retires, then earth fades, but heaven comes out in tenfold glory: and I say the starry firmament at night is a temple not built with hands, and the bare sight of it subdues the passions, chastens the heart, and aids the soul in prayer surprisingly. My lord, as I am a Christian woman, 'tis true that my husband had wronged me cruelly and broken the law. 'Tis true that I raged against him and he answered me not again. 'Tis true, as that witness said, that my bark is worse than my bite. I cooled, and then felt I had forgotten the wife and the Christian, in my wrath. I repented, and, to be more earnest in my penitence, I did go and pray out o' doors beneath those holy eyes of heaven that seemed to look down with chaste reproach on my ungoverned heat. I left my fireside, my velvet cushions, and all the little comforts made by human hands, that adorn our earthly dwellings, but distract our eyes from God."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Must I tell you the whole truth? This Leicester has always passed for an illegitimate son of Mr. Gaunt's father. He resembled my husband in form, stature, and voice: he had the Gaunt mole, and has often spoken of it by that name. My husband forgave him many faults for no other reason,--and I bought his wares and filled his pack for no other reason,--than this; that he was my husband's brother by nature, though not in law. 'HONI SOIT QUI MAL Y PENSE.'"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Swear Sarah Leicester."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There, said he,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Injustice! to whom?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To whom? why, to yourself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What, may I not be unjust to myself?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Certainly not; you have no right to be unjust to anybody. Don't deceive yourself; there is no virtue in this: it is mere miserable weakness. What right have you to peril an innocent life merely to screen the malefactor from just obloquy?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alas! said Mrs. Gaunt,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Not unless he is indicted: and who will indict him? Sir George Neville must be got to muzzle the Attorney-General, and the Lancashire jade will not move against him, for you say they are living together."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course they are: and, as you say, why should I screen him? But 'twill not serve, who can combat prejudice? If what I have said does not convince them, an angel's voice would not. Sir, I am a Catholic, and they will hang me. I shall die miserably, having exposed my husband, who loved me once, oh! so dearly. I trifled with his love. I deserve it all."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You will not die at all, if you will only be good and obedient, and listen to wiser heads. I have subpoenaed Caroline Ryder as your witness, and given her a hint how to escape an indictment for perjury. You will find her supple as a glove."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Call a rattlesnake for my witness?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have drawn her fangs. You will also call Sir George Neville, to prove he saw Gaunt's picture at the 'Packhorse,' and heard the other wife's tale. Wiltshire will object to this as evidence, and say why don't you produce Mercy Vint herself. Then you will call me to prove that I sent the subpoena to Mercy Vint. Come now, I cannot eat or sleep till you promise me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Spare me, said she,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am worn out. Oh that I could die before the trial begins again!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Come, promise now, said he."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then you will feel better."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I will do whatever you bid me, said she."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Only, if they let me off, I will go into a convent. No power shall hinder me."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And I am the most miserable woman in all England."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Child, said the worthy lawyer,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah! would I could!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Angel."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "O anima Christiana, respice vulnera patientis, sanguinem morientis, precem redemptions nostræ."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Who is that?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mrs. Menteith,"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Madam, said Mrs. Menteith,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I beg to be excused, was the reply."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He must go to my solicitor at the 'Angel,' Mr. Houseman."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And, Dame, said she,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, well, said Mrs. Gaunt;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If you ask me, I think her business is your business. Come, Dame, do see the poor thing; she is civil spoken, and she tells me she has come all the way out of Lancashire o' purpose."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "From Lancashire?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ay, madam, said Mrs. Menteith,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Her name?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, she is not ashamed of it. She gave it me directly."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What has she the effrontery to take my name?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "said she."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, I'm sure I don't know what to do, said Mrs. Menteith."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "She says she will lie at your door all night, but she will see you. 'Tis the face of a friend. She may know something. It seems hard to thrust her and her child out into the street, after their coming all the way from Lancashire."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What, dare she come to me all this way, and shall I shrink from _her?_"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Since you desire it, and she _insists_ on it, I will receive Mistress Mercy Vint."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Be seated, mistress, if you please, said Mrs. Gaunt, with icy civility,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I thank you. Dame, said Mercy,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She sat quietly down."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why I have come to you? It was to serve you, and to keep my word with George Neville."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Will you be kind enough to explain?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Alas, said she, softly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Excuse me if I seem discourteous: but you and I ought not to be in one room a moment. You do not see this, apparently. But at least I have a right to insist that such an interview shall be very brief, and to the purpose. Oblige me then, by telling me in plain terms why you have come hither."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Madam, to be your witness at the trial."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why not? If I can clear you? What, would you rather be condemned for murder, than let me show them you are innocent? Alas, how you hate me!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hate you, child? said Mrs. Gaunt, coloring to her temples:"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Speak for yourself, Dame, replied Mercy, quietly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your words are goodly and wise, said she;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mercy was silent a moment, then resumed,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll not deny I did hate you for a time, when first I learned the man I had married had a wife, and you were she. We that be women are too unjust to each other, and too indulgent to a man. But I have worn out my hate. I wrestled in prayer, and the God of Love he did quench my most unreasonable hate. For 'twas the man betrayed me; _you_ never wronged me, nor I you. But you are right, madam; 'tis true that nature without grace is black as pitch: the devil he was busy at my ear, and whispered me, 'If the fools in Cumberland hang her, what fault o' thine? Thou wilt be his lawful wife, and thy poor innocent child will be a child of shame no more.' But, by God's grace, I did defy him. And I do defy him. She rose swiftly from her chair, and her dove's eyes gleamed with celestial light."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Get thee behind me, Satan. I tell thee the hangman shall never have her innocent body, nor thou my soul."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If this creature is not sincere, what a mistress of deceit she must be!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mistress Gaunt, you are accused of murdering your husband. 'Tis false, for two days ago I saw him alive."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you say?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Be brave, madam; you have borne great trouble, do not give way under joy. He who has wronged us both--he who wedded you under his own name of Griffith Gaunt, and me under the false name of Thomas Leicester, is no more dead than we are; I saw him two days ago, and spoke to him, and persuaded him to come to Carlisle town and do you justice."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He is alive: He is alive. Thank God! Oh, thank God! He is alive: and God bless the tongue that tells me so. God bless you eternally, Mercy Vint."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah, she sobbed,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is it a dream? my husband alive? and you the one to come and tell me so? How unjust I have been to you. Forgive me. Why does he not come himself?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, Dame, said she,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "On the fuddle?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ay; he owns he has never been sober a whole day. And that takes the heart out of a man, as well as the brains. And then he has got it into his head that you will never forgive him; and that he shall be cast in prison if he shows his face in Cumberland."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why in Cumberland more than in Lancashire?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He knows I shall never punish him for what he has done to me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why not? I begin to think he has wronged you almost as much as he has me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Worse, madam; worse. He has robbed me of my good name. You are still his lawful wife, and none can point the finger at you. But, look at me: I was an honest girl; respected by all the parish. What has he made of me? The man that lay a dying in my house, and I saved his life, and so my heart did warm to him, he blasphemed God's altar, to deceive and betray me; and here I am, a poor forlorn creature, neither maid, wife, nor widow; with a child on my arms that I do nothing but cry over; ay, my poor innocent, I left thee down below, because I was ashamed she should see thee; all me! ah me!"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There, said she,"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am but a selfish woman, said she,"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't spare him for me. In your place I'd trounce the villain finely."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ay, said Mercy,"
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What, said she,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I know, said Mercy, very gravely."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "In this world--never."
}
] |
57685
|
Unknown Title
|
Unknown Author
|
[
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She has put the rope round her own neck. The jury would never have believed our witness."
}
] |
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