human
Zoe, my little Zoe, my own dear wife! he said in faltering accents,
gpt
Oh, is it true? do you really love me yet in spite of all my jealousy and wilfulness, and--and--oh, I have been very bad and ungrateful and troublesome!
human
And I have been too dictatorial and stern, he said, kissing her again and again.
gpt
I have not had the patience I ought to have had with my little girl-wife, have not been so forbearing and kind as I meant to be.
human
Indeed, you have been very patient and forbearing, she returned,
gpt
I'll do both,
human
Oh, I'm so glad, so glad! she cried, with the tears running over her cheeks,
gpt
My poor darling, it was too cruel, he sighed;
human
O Ned, she murmured, hiding her blushing face on his breast,
gpt
Your note explained that, he said in moved tones, thinking how great must have been the distress that led to such an act,
human
Then you will forgive me? she asked humbly.
gpt
I thought I had a right to go away, thinking it would make you happier, but now I know I hadn't, because I had promised myself to you for all my life.
human
No; neither of us has a right to forsake the other (we 'are no more twain but one flesh. What, therefore, God hath joined together, let no man put asunder'); we are husband and wife for as long as we both shall live, and must dwell together in mutual love and forbearance. We will exchange forgiveness, dearest, for we have both been to blame, and I forgive your attempt of to-night on condition that you promise me never, never to do such a thing again.
gpt
I promise, she said,
human
imploringly,
gpt
O Ned, won't you keep my secret? I couldn't bear to have it known even in the family.
human
No more could I, love, he answered;
gpt
So am I, and that it was my own dear husband, and not a burglar, as I feared, who found me there.
human
Ah, was that the cause of your fright? he asked, with a look of relief and pleasure.
gpt
I thought it was your terror of your husband's wrath that caused your faint. But, darling, you are looking weary and actually ill. You must go to bed at once.
human
I'll obey you, this time and always, she answered, looking up fondly into his face.
gpt
I am convinced now that I am only a foolish child in need of guidance and control, and who should provide them but you? I could hardly stand it from anybody else--unless mamma--but I'm sure that in future it will be a pleasure to take it from my own dear husband if--if only----
human
If what, love?
gpt
If only instead of 'You must and shall,' you will say kindly, 'I want you to do it to please me, Zoe.'
human
Sweet one, he answered, holding her to his heart,
gpt
I do fully intend that it shall be always love and coaxing after this.
human
Our love, it ne'er was reckoned, Yet good it is and true; It's half the world to me, dear, It's all the world to you.