human
Your grandmother does not like me, Dionetta.
gpt
She has not said so, my lady,
human
Not directly, child, said Adelaide,
gpt
She is growing old, murmured Dionetta apologetically,
human
Neither have you, child. Yet you do not dislike me.
gpt
My lady, if I dare to say it, I love you.
human
There is no daring in it, child. I love to be loved--and I would sooner be loved by the young than the old. Come here, pretty one. Your ears are like little pink shells, and deserve something better than those common rings in them. Put these in their place.
gpt
Oh, my lady, sighed Dionetta with a rose-light in her face.
human
They are too grand for me! What shall I say when people see them?
gpt
Say that I gave them to you because I love you. I never had a maid who pleased me half as much. Does this prove it?
human
I love you, Dionetta, because you love me, and because I can trust you.
gpt
You can, my lady. I will serve you with all my heart and soul. But I have done nothing for you that any other girl could not have done.
human
Would you like to do something for me that I would trust no other to do?
gpt
Yes, my lady, eagerly answered Dionetta.
human
I should be proud.
gpt
Not a soul, my lady, if you command me.
human
I do command you. It is easy to do--merely to deliver a note, and to say: 'This is from my mistress.'
gpt
Oh, my lady, that is no task at all. It is so simple.
human
Simple as it is, I do not wish even your grandmother to hear of it.
gpt
She shall not--nor any person. I swear it.
human
You have made me your friend for life, said Adelaide,
gpt
Adelaide.
human
Take this to Mr. Almer's room, and give it to him. It is nothing of any importance, but he will be pleased to receive it.