human
You come very late, Henry, said Atkins, who stood near him.
gpt
We expected you sooner.
human
We! Do you also speak in Miss Forest's name?
gpt
You ought to have come sooner, he repeated gravely.
human
It was not considerate in you to leave Miss Jane here amid all these rejoicings over the victory, which must have made her loss only the more bitter. We might, all three of us, have been on our way to America long ago.
gpt
My travelling plans admitted of no change, he said,
human
I have just told them.
gpt
Well, after an interview with my betrothed, I wish to be introduced to them as a future relative. The three weeks from now to the beginning of next month will suffice for all necessary preparations, and we shall leave immediately after the ceremony. You are aware of my arrangements with Miss Forest?
human
She has told me that she leaves all to your decision, and that I have simply to consult you in regard to the arrangements.
gpt
The regiment is expected back to-morrow, Henry!
human
I know it! returned Alison, not moving from his place.
gpt
And Professor Fernow is coming in any event,
human
Do you know this so certainly?
gpt
He surely will not remain away from a reception that is especially designed for him.
human
He will not come! said Alison coolly.
gpt
After what has passed between us, he does not enter this house while my betrothed remains in it, or I do not understand the German sentiment of honor.
human
Well, I was not a witness of your interview, he said.
gpt
You must know what is to be expected of him; but if he really remains away are you just as sure of Miss Forest?
human
Supposing she should refuse to fulfil her promise to you?
gpt
She will not refuse.
human
You may find yourself in error, he said.
gpt
Jane is no longer in that hollow stupor that was upon her at our first arrival in B. She is silent as usual, but I know that all her strength of mind is now directed towards one conclusion; and this conclusion will hardly be blind submission to your will. Look before you!
human
And do you really believe I would have gone on my travels, and have calmly remained half a year away, if I had not previously secured myself on all sides?--I challenged Professor Fernow; he put me off until the end of the war; his promise now binds him, and as the injured man, the first shot is due me. Miss Foster knows this; she knows also that I will shoot him down, if she does not unconditionally submit to what I think best. The choice was given her at that time when the death of her brother led her to ask from me a delay of the marriage until the proper period of morning had expired. I allowed her ample time, for I knew that I need fear no change of her mind. _His_ life was at stake! Through that apprehension I hold her more firmly than by a tenfold cord; she will not venture to resist my will, not even by a word; she knows the price of his safety.
gpt
And will you really force her consent in this way? Be on your guard, Henry! Jane is no woman to allow herself patiently to be sacrificed; she will revenge her blighted happiness upon you. You purchase that longed-for million with hell in your house.
human
Give yourself no anxiety as to our future married happiness, Mr. Atkins! I believe that I am in all respects a match for my future wife.--But it must be time for us to go to Doctor Stephen's. May I ask you to get ready?
gpt
Henry, he said entreatingly,
human
Has she spared me? asked Alison with an icy coldness.
gpt
The proud Miss Forest would have cast me aside as a worthless burden, had not another's life rested in my hands. Now I have the power and I will use it; the obstinate woman shall yield to me at my price!
human
What a marriage this will be! God pity us when these two are man and wife!