human
Early in life I had many enemies, and I taught myself these arts. From habit, I still bear about me the weapons I trust and pray I may never have occasion to use. But to return.--I have offended you--I have incurred your hatred--why? What are my sins?
gpt
Do you ask the cause? said Walter, speaking between his ground teeth.
human
Have you not traversed my views--blighted my hopes--charmed away from me the affections which were more to me than the world, and driven me to wander from my home with a crushed spirit, and a cheerless heart. Are these no cause for hate?
gpt
Have I done this? said Aram, recoiling, and evidently and powerfully affected.
human
Have I so injured you?--It is true! I know it--I perceive it-- I read your heart; and--bear witness Heaven!--I felt for the wound that I, but with no guilty hand, inflict upon you. Yet be just:--ask yourself, have I done aught that you, in my case, would have left undone? Have I been insolent in triumph, or haughty in success? if so, hate me, nay, spurn me now.
gpt
If it please you, that I accuse myself, in that I, a man seared and lone at heart, presumed to come within the pale of human affections;--that I exposed myself to cross another's better and brighter hopes, or dared to soften my fate with the tender and endearing ties that are meet alone for a more genial and youthful nature;--if it please you that I accuse and curse myself for this--that I yielded to it with pain and with self- reproach--that I shall think hereafter of what I unconsciously cost you with remorse--then be consoled!
human
It is enough, said Walter;
gpt
But you shall have it amply, interrupted Aram, advancing with a cordial openness of mien not usual to him.
human
I was all to blame; I should have remembered you were an injured man, and suffered you to have said all you would. Words at best are but a poor vent for a wronged and burning heart. It shall be so in future, speak your will, attack, upbraid, taunt me, I will bear it all. And indeed, even to myself there seems some witchcraft, some glamoury in what has chanced. What! I favoured where you love? Is it possible? It might teach the vainest to forswear vanity. You, the young, the buoyant, the fresh, the beautiful?--And I, who have passed the glory and zest of life between dusty walls; I who--well, well, fate laughs at probabilities!
gpt
I cannot give my hand without my heart, said he;
human
Be it so, interrupted Aram;
gpt
I understand you. I press my good will on you no more. When this pang is forgotten, when this wound is healed, and when you will have learned more of him who is now your rival, we may meet again with other feelings on your side.