human
Are you ill, Rudolph?
gpt
A passing faintness, nothing more,
human
I told you of Emil’s approaching betrothal, Rudolph,
gpt
I heard you,
human
Do you approve this step on his part?
gpt
It is no affair of mine. Hollfeld is his own master, and can do as he pleases.
human
I believe his choice is made. If I dared, I would tell you the young girl’s name.
gpt
There is no need to do so. It will be time enough to hear it when the banns are published in church.
human
Rudolph, I implore you not to be so rough, Helene begged, in a tone of entreaty;
gpt
I know that you are no friend to much speaking, and I am accustomed to your laconic replies; but now you are too cold and silent, just, too, when I have a request to make of you.
human
Tell me what it is; am I to have the honour of playing the part of groomsman to Herr von Hollfeld?
gpt
You do not like poor Emil, it is more evident to-day than ever before, she said reproachfully, after a little pause, during which Herr von Walde had arisen and traversed the room with hasty steps;
human
I entreat you earnestly, dear Rudolph, listen to me patiently; I must talk over this matter with you to-day.
gpt
You see I am ready to listen.
human
The young girl, she began, with a hesitation which was the result less of her own internal agitation than of her brother’s icy demeanour,
gpt
Very disinterested on his part; proceed.
human
Emil’s income is not large.
gpt
The poor man has only ten thousand a year; starvation in his case seems unavoidable.
human
Well, he may be wealthier than I thought, she went on after a short pause;
gpt
What effort this cost her!
human
She has done what must forever fill my sisterly heart with gratitude.