human
I received-- and then paused. She raised her eyes to his.
gpt
I received a letter from you five-and-twenty years ago.
human
Yes, five-and-twenty years ago.
gpt
I hope you cannot guess what pain it gave me.
human
Yes, she answered faintly,
gpt
I can conceive it, from the pain it gave to me.
human
Will you permit me? He kissed her fingers courteously, and she blushed.
gpt
I have waited, he added,
human
You spoke of a great obstacle then; has it been removed?
gpt
It is still between us,
human
Is it likely ever to vanish?
gpt
I--I do not know.
human
You can not tell me what it is?
gpt
Oh, you will not ask me,
human
Might I dare to hope, Barbara, that you still regard me with--
gpt
With all my life's esteem. But she was a woman, and she added:
human
But I am not young now, and I am very poor.
gpt
Barbara, he said;
human
I am not rich and I am old; but you, you have not changed; you are beautiful, as you always were.
gpt
Your brother--is he well?
human
I hope so, she somewhat painfully replied.
gpt
Is he in Australia?
human
Yes. I have not seen him for years, but he is here. As if a thought had suddenly come to him, he stepped nearer, and made as if he would speak; but the words halted on his lips, and he turned away again. She glided to his side and touched his arm.
gpt
I am glad that you trust me,
human
There is no more that need be said, he answered. And now, woman-like, denying, she pitied, too.
gpt
If I ever can, shall--shall I send for you to tell you all?
human
You remember I told you that the world had but one place for me, and that was by your side; that where you are, Barbara--
gpt
Hush, oh hush! she interrupted gently.
human
Yes, I remember everything.
gpt
There is no power can alter what is come of Heaven,
human
God be with you, Louis.