human
If your letter 't' causes a break with France, perhaps Max's opportunity may come.
gpt
I do not know--I cannot hope, she responded dolefully.
human
You see, when father made this treaty with France, he was halting between two men in the choice of a husband for me. One was the Dauphin, son to King Louis, whom father hates with every breath he draws. The other was the Duke of Gelders, whom father really likes. Gelders is a brute, Sir Karl. He kept his father in prison four years, and usurped his domain. He is a drunkard, a murderer, and a profligate. For reasons of state father chose the Dauphin, but if the treaty with France is broken, I suppose it will be Gelders again. If it comes to that, Sir Karl--but I'll not say what I'll do. My head is full of schemes from morning till night, and when I sleep my poor brain is a whirl of visions. Self-destruction, elopement, and I know not what else appeal to me. How far is it to Styria, Sir Karl?
gpt
Two or three hundred leagues, perhaps--it may be more, I answered.
human
I do not know how far it is, Yolanda, but it is not far enough for your purposes. Even could you reach there, Styria could not protect you.
gpt
I was not thinking of--of what you suppose, Sir Karl,
human
What were you thinking of, Yolanda?
gpt
Of nothing--of--of--a wild dream of hiding away from the world in some unknown corner, at times comes to me in my sleep--only in my sleep, Sir Karl--for in my waking hours I know it to be impossible. The only pleasant part of being a princess is that the world envies you; but what a poor bauble it is to buy at the frightful price I pay!
human
I have been on mountain tops, I answered philosophically,
gpt
Ah, Sir Karl, she answered tearfully,
human
I believe I'll go upstairs and weep.