human
Mother, said Helen, softly, opening her eyes,
gpt
I do not sleep, but I rest, and it is so sweet--I feel as if I had been out in a terrible storm--so shattered and so bruised within. Oh! mother, you cannot think of the shameful accusations she has brought against me. It makes me shudder to think of them. I shall never, never be happy again. They will always be ringing in my ears--always blistering and burning me.
human
You should not think her words of such consequence, said Mrs. Gleason, soothingly;
gpt
I cannot live so, cried Helen, clasping her hands entreatingly,
human
I would rather die than live in such strife and shame. It makes me wicked and passionate. I cannot help feeling hatred rising in my bosom, and then I loathe myself in dust and ashes. Oh! let me go somewhere, where I may be at peace--anywhere in the world where I shall be in nobody's way. Ask father to send me back to school--I am young enough, and shall be years yet; or I should like to go into a nunnery, that must be such a peaceful place. No stormy passions--no dark, bosom strife.
gpt
No, my dear, we are not going to give up you, the joy and idol of our hearts. You shall not be the sacrifice; I will shield you henceforth from the violence of this lawless girl. Tell me all the events of this evening, Helen, without reserve. Let there be perfect confidence between us, or we are all lost.
human
When I rushed down stairs, I did not know what I was doing--my brain seemed on fire, and I thought my reason was gone. If I could find a place of shelter from her wrath, a spot where her eye could not blaze upon me! that was my only thought.
gpt
Oh! that this dangerous, and I fear, unprincipled young man had never entered our household! cried Mrs. Gleason;
human
Let me go, dear mother, and all may yet be well.
gpt
If you would indeed like to visit the Parsonage, and remain till this dark storm subsides, it might perhaps be judicious.
human
Not the Parsonage--never, never again shall I be embosomed in its hallowed shades--I would not go there now, for ten thousand worlds.
gpt
It is wrong, Helen, to allow the words of one, insane with passion, to have the least influence on the feelings or conduct. Mrs. Hazleton, Arthur, and Alice, have been your best and truest friends, and you must not allow yourself to be alienated from them.