human
But who are these friends of yours? said Léon.
gpt
Is it your mother, or sister? And, perhaps, a husband?
human
A husband? No, indeed, thank God!
gpt
You are not married?
human
No, not now.
gpt
What, already a widow? How sorry I am for you!
human
Pray, why should you suppose that I am to be pitied? Are all husbands so kind? Are all men so tender? Is there, on the contrary, one who deserves to be regretted?
gpt
Oh, what an anathema! He is a happy fellow who succeeds in inspiring you with juster, milder feelings!
human
Toward men? Heaven forbid!
gpt
Then you are determined to drive to despair all the troop of admirers who, no doubt--
human
I haven't one; I have just arrived from the other side of the world, and know nobody here.
gpt
Nobody, really? Then, fair Mask, I put myself down as your first, and you will see that I shall be ever the most devoted, the most constant--
human
Constant! _Bon Dieu_! If it is in that strain you are going to talk, I shall leave you forthwith.
gpt
Constancy is but a chain that we pretend to wear in order to impose its weight on another. Now that I am free, perfectly free, I intend to remain so; no man living could induce me to forswear myself.
human
There is no more freedom for me, I feel that, but I cannot regret it. The chain shall, however, be for me only; you cannot prevent my loving you, or hoping--
gpt
Ah, no, no, no, monsieur; I do not want love; I do not want promises; and least of all do I want any one to hope for anything from me.
human
But, cruel Mask, incomprehensible Mask, what then _do_ you want? What must one do to obtain at least your pity?
gpt
One must neither rave nor deceive; neither exaggerate a feeling of which he is barely conscious, nor fancy it possible to induce a sensible woman to change her plans for a few romantic words, or hypocritical attentions; one must be humble, discreet, patient. I must have time to make up my mind, to find out exactly what I want, and then, perhaps--
human
Then, perhaps, what? Charming Mask, finish the sentence, let me know my fate. I will be obedient; silence, submission, patience, I promise everything.