human
He has broken faith, said Madeline:
gpt
I shall chide him for this to- morrow. He promised me the light should be ever quenched before this hour.
human
Nay, said Ellinor in a tone somewhat sharpened from its native sweetness, and who now sate up in the bed, the curtain of which was half- drawn aside, and the soft light of the skies rested full upon her rounded neck and youthful countenance--
gpt
I cannot sleep, replied Madeline, sighing,
human
You are infatuated--you are bewitched by that man,
gpt
And have I not cause--ample cause? returned Madeline, with all a girl's beautiful enthusiasm, as the colour mantled her cheek, and gave it the only additional loveliness it could receive.
human
When he speaks, is it not like music?--or rather, what music so arrests and touches the heart? Methinks it is Heaven only to gaze upon him--to note the changes of that majestic countenance--to set down as food for memory every look and every movement. But when the look turns to me--when the voice utters my name, ah! Ellinor, then it is not a wonder that I love him thus much: but that any others should think they have known love, and yet not loved him! And, indeed, I feel assured that what the world calls love is not my love. Are there more Eugenes in the world than one? Who but Eugene could be loved as I love?
gpt
What! are there none as worthy?
human
Can you ask it? answered Madeline, with a simple wonder in her voice;
gpt
Whom would you compare--compare! nay, place within a hundred grades of the height which Eugene Aram holds in this little world?
human
This is folly--dotage; said Ellinor, indignantly:
gpt
Surely there are others, as brave, as gentle, as kind, and if not so wise, yet more fitted for the world.
human
You mock me, replied Madeline, incredulously;
gpt
If I said Walter Lester, could you deny it?
human
Walter! repeated Madeline,
gpt
Ay, and more than equal, said Ellinor, with spirit, and a warm and angry tone.
human
And indeed, Madeline, she continued, after a pause,
gpt
I lose something of that respect, which, passing a sister's love, I have always borne towards you, when I see the unthinking and lavish idolatry you manifest to one, who, but for a silver tongue and florid words, would rather want attractions than be the wonder you esteem him. Fie, Madeline! I blush for you when you speak, it is unmaidenly so to love any one!