human
I am almost glad I was wrong, Karl. I would not have Yolanda other than she is. At times, wild thoughts suggest themselves to me; but I am not so weak as to give way to them. I drive them off and clench my teeth, determined to take the misery God doles out to me. I am glad we are soon to leave Burgundy. The duke marches in three days, and it is none too soon for me.
gpt
Shall not we return to Burgundy? I asked.
human
I want you to see Paris and Brussels, and, if possible, London before we return to Styria. Don't you think it best that we come back to Peronne after this war?
gpt
You are right, Karl; we must come back, he answered.
human
I do not fear Yolanda. I am not weak.
gpt
I sometimes wonder if we know our strength from our weakness, I suggested.
human
There is doubtless much energy wasted by conscientious men striving in the wrong direction, who fancy they are doing their duty.
gpt
You would not have me marry Yolanda?
human
I do not know, Max, I responded.
gpt
A rare thing has happened to you. You have won a marvellous love from a marvellous woman. She takes no pains to conceal it. She could not hide it if she would. What you feel, only you and God know.
human
Only God, cried Max, huskily.
gpt
Only God. I cannot measure it.
human
My dear boy, said I, taking his arm,
gpt
I have decided, returned Max.
human
If my father and mother were not living, I might--I might--bah! there is but one life for me. I am doomed. I make myself wretched by resistance.
gpt
When we return to Peronne, you will know your mind,
human
I know my mind now, he answered.
gpt
I know that I would give half the years of my life to possess Yolanda; but I also know the fate that God has marked out for me.
human
Then you know more than many a wise man thrice your age can boast,