human
This is a gloomy day for so late in the spring, observed Mr. Martens, looking into the garden;
gpt
A house like this, he continued,
human
Since it is a good thing for us not to be alone; since it is good for us to have some one to cling to, when the bitter experiences of life cast their shadows over us, so--
gpt
I beg your pardon, said he, coming close to the sofa.
human
I was but following the bent of my own thoughts, and I fear I have made you unhappy, when my object ought rather to have been to endeavour to cheer you. Poor child!
gpt
Dear Miss Madeleine, said the pastor, seating himself on the sofa at a little distance from her,
human
I am sure you are not well--I have observed it for some time; and you may imagine how painful it is for me to see you thus suffering, without having any right to offer you my assistance.
gpt
You have always been so good to me, sobbed Madeleine.
human
But no one can help me, I am so wretched--so wretched!
gpt
Do not indulge such thoughts, my dear young lady; do not allow yourself to think that any feeling of wretchedness is so great that it cannot be mitigated. Intercourse with the friend who understands our nature has a wonderfully soothing power over the sick heart. And for that very reason, added he, with a sigh,
human
I feel it doubly painful that you will not allow me to be such a friend to you.
gpt
I cannot, stammered Madeleine in dismay.
human
Do not be angry with me. I do not mean to be ungrateful. You are the only one--But I am so nervous--I don't understand it all. But don't be angry with me;
gpt
You know I mean to be kind to you, Miss Madeleine,
human
Yes, yes, I know you do. But do you believe--
gpt
I am afraid your mind is disturbed; but I hope that I may be able to be a trustworthy guide for you through life. You have been unwilling to accept me, and I will not importune you; but I must tell you that everything I have is at your service.
human
But if I am unable--but if it is too much for me. No, I cannot!
gpt
Tell me, Madeleine, do not you feel as if it was almost a dispensation of Providence? When I asked you for your hand, you rejected my offer hastily--without consideration, may I venture to say? That hand now lies in mine. She made an attempt to withdraw it, but he held it fast.
human
Here are we again brought together. Is it not as if you were destined to be mine--you who are so lonely and forsaken amongst your own relations? You do feel lonely, Madeleine, do you not?
gpt
Oh yes; I do feel lonely--so dreadfully lonely,