human
It was not strange that I began ... that he became very dear to me, was it, Donald?
gpt
Perhaps I should not say it; but some time ago I began to guess that ... that he loved me. Not that he said a word, Donald, that is, not until to-day,--and then he didn't say it, she laughed a little.
human
He _wrote_ it and he ... he asked me to marry him. He said, besides, that he had spoken to you, first, and that you had given your brotherly consent. It was a very sweet letter, Don; the first real love letter that I ever received, think of that!
gpt
It was after he had ... had saved my life that ... She stopped, and broke into her thought with the words,
human
Oh, Donald, I can never, never forget to-night, and the awful feeling that I had when little Don went into the water. You see, you were far away, and I didn't know about that brave boy on the beach, so I thought that I had got to save him if I could, and I didn't know _how_ I could. And then those black, cold waves going over my head! I was quite sure that I was going to die, and I almost hoped so for ... for I couldn't find Donny.
gpt
It was after that that Philip asked me for my answer. I knew what it was going to be, but ...
human
I know. You love him, you are going to marry him, Smiles. It's all right, he is a splendid fellow, dear,
gpt
Yes, he is, and I do love him, she replied quietly; but she could not contain her secret any longer and added,
human
But a girl can't marry her _brother_, Donald.
gpt
Her brother? Please, Rose, don't joke.
human
It's true!
gpt
You! Philip's sister? It's impossible, unbelievable!
human
Unbelievable, yes. But it's _so_, Donald, although I can hardly credit it yet, myself.
gpt
But how? Tell me how you found out. What happened?
human
Don't, you're hurting my hand, Donald. I'll tell you all about it as soon as I can, but please don't ask so many questions all at once, and please tell me first that you are glad, that my great secret makes you happy, as it does me.
gpt
Happy? Oh, great heavens! But you? Are you really pleased? You said that you loved him!
human
And so I did, and do ... dearly. But, you see, Donald, although I have cared for him for a long, long while, there was something about my affection that I could not explain, even to myself. It was ... was different, somehow, from what ... from what I felt it must be for the man whom I might marry. Now I know that it was the subconscious call of the blood, the love of a sister for a brother, and never anything else.
gpt
Oh, you're a strange little girl, Smiles. I had not realized that you were fully grown up until to-night; but now I know that you are a woman,--a child no longer. My little Rose would never have tried to be so dramatic, nor would she have tried to analyze her love, and label it the call of kin, rather than that of a mate. I used to think that you were a clear crystal in which I might see reflected your very heart and soul, but now you have become a woman and therefore a mystery. Oh, woman, what do you know about love? Not the kind that Philip inspired in you; but the name which burns unquenchable--which purifies and strengthens, or consumes the one who ...
human
Perhaps ... I do ... know it, Donald,
gpt
Smiles! It isn't possible that you ... that I ... Oh, my dear one, don't say anything to make me hope anew, after what I have endured to-night unless ...
human
Do you really care, Don? In that _other_ way, I mean.