human
What is it, dear Joseph?
gpt
More bad news? What has happened to my nurse-mother? Speak, speak, Joseph!
human
Nothing, Mme. la Viscomtesse, he replied.
gpt
My mother and Bastien, I hope, are well. It is of myself I wish to speak.
human
I am going to America, madame.
gpt
You go away? You go away? I cried.
human
And I, Joseph?
gpt
You, madame? said he.
human
You have money. The Revolution will soon be over, and you can return to your country. There you will find again your friends, your titles, your fortune.
gpt
Stop! I cried.
human
What shall I be in France? You well know my château, my palace are pillaged and burned, my parents are dead.
gpt
My mother and Bastien are in France,
human
But thou--thou, Joseph; what can I do without thee? Why have you accustomed me to your tenderness, to your protection, and now come threatening to leave me? Hear me plainly. If you go I go with you.
gpt
Alix--madame--
human
I have guessed your secret, continued I.
gpt
You seek to go because you love me--because you fear you may forget that respect which you fancy you owe me. But after all I am your wife, Joseph. I have the right to follow thee, and I am going with thee.