human
Fräulein, I said,
gpt
I quite agree with you. It is a matter of surprise to me that these noblemen you mention do not see the truth as you state it.
human
They are fools, Sir Karl, sodden fools, exclaimed Yolanda.
gpt
You could buy their souls for a sou. King Louis buys them with an empty promise of one.
human
Why does not Duke Charles buy them? I asked.
gpt
Because, Sir Karl, she responded almost savagely,
human
But, Fräulein, I answered,
gpt
Perhaps you are right, Sir Karl, answered Yolanda,
human
Indeed, Fräulein, your warning is unnecessary, I responded laughingly.
gpt
I already know the disposition of the duke toward those who disagree with him. His ungovernable passions will surely lead him to a terrible end. Bravery, if wise, is one of the noblest attributes of men. The lack of wisdom makes it the most dangerous. Duke Charles ought to temper his courage with love for his people. He should fight, when he must, with wise bravery. If he should die, God pity the poor people of Burgundy unless their princess choose a husband both wise and brave.
human
But she will not be allowed to choose, cried Yolanda, passionately.
gpt
Her freedom is less than that of any serf. She is bound hand and foot by the chains of her birth. She is more to be pitied than the poorest maiden in Burgundy. The saddest of all captives is she who is chained to a throne.
human
That surely is the bitterest draught fate offers to mortal man,
gpt
Yes, whispered Yolanda, huskily.
human
One cannot rebel; one may not even kill one's self when one is condemned to live. One can do nothing but endure and wait in haunting fear and, in rare moments, hope against a million chances.
gpt
It is strange, said I to Castleman, when Yolanda and Twonette had left us,
human
Yes, she is a strange, unfortunate girl, answered Castleman,
gpt
Is her father your brother?
human
Yes, answered Castleman, hesitatingly; then, as if hurrying from the subject, he continued,
gpt
Her mother is dead, and the girl lives chiefly under my roof.