human
Tell me what is the matter, cried the girl, running over to him.
gpt
Are you ill?
human
Ah! said Norman.
gpt
I wish I could tell you what is the matter. There is more the matter than you know of, dear, and my heart is as heavy as lead.
human
Why, what ever has happened?
gpt
Forgive me, Peronella. I should not have spoken.
human
You say your heart is heavy as lead. Tell me what is troubling you!
gpt
Oh! a little secret trouble, that is all.
human
What trouble can be secret between you and me?
gpt
Do not speak of it again, dear. Forget it. I am sorry I hinted that anything was wrong.
human
You are not deceiving me, Normano? You do not love an English girl?
gpt
No, it is not that.
human
Then what is it? You must tell me.
gpt
Well, then, who do you suppose I am?
human
Why, an Englishman, of course.
gpt
An Englishman. But what Englishman? And why should I come to Alsander and live in Alsander?
human
But why not? Other Englishmen have come to Alsander.
gpt
Yes, but to buy and sell.
human
It _is_ very strange, she said, musing,
gpt
That I cannot tell you, Peronella.
human
Well, what have you come for if not to buy and sell? Besides, added Peronella, passionately,
gpt
I love you, and that is enough. What do I care who you are?
human
If your love were deep, perhaps you would care who I was.