human
My daughter, said she,
gpt
I grieve that this trial should have come upon you already. If one could have foreseen--
human
But, madam, is it true? She meant _him_, I know. Tell me faithfully, is it true?
gpt
It is, my daughter.
human
What, all? Every one of those things?
gpt
All true. Perhaps it is well that you should know it, that the departed may have the benefit of your prayers. But how differently would I have had you told!
human
Never mind that! Whatever is true, I can and will bear. I will pray for him, madam, day and night--as long as I live will I pray for him: for he was to me--Oh, madam, how he loved me! I will make reparation for him; the reparation that he would make if he could. I will find out who were the poor creatures--I will make them happy for as long as they live, for his sake. You will help me, madam?
gpt
I will. It is a pious intention.
human
I owe him all that I can do. I ask one favour of you, madam. Let no one speak to me about him--never again. No one can understand what he was to me--what care he took of me--how he used to love me. Oh, madam, is it quite certain--are you quite sure that those things are true?
gpt
My child, do not give me the pain of explaining more. As you say, let this never again be spoken of.--I propose to you, Euphrosyne, to make a virtuous effort.
human
Not to come down this evening, madam?
gpt
Yes, my child, to come down this evening. I think it of importance that Madame Oge should not discover how she has wounded you, and that nothing should occur to fix her attention on the descendant of one who was active in procuring the death of her sons. Trust me, my dear, it is worth an effort to prevent Madame Oge leaving this house your enemy.
human
I do not care for it, madam. Let her hate me. She is quite welcome.
gpt
You are thinking only of yourself, Euphrosyne. I am thinking also of her. Consider how sore a heart she carries within her. Consider how wretched her life has been made by the enmities in which she has lived. Will you not save her one more? You have professed to pity her. Now you can show if your pity is real, by saving her from a new enmity.
human
I am willing to do that: but how can I speak to her? How can we know what things she may say?
gpt
You shall not converse with her again. The table is spread. Go down now, and take your place at the foot, beside sister Claire. When we rise from table, I will dismiss you to your room as in course.
human
I wish that time was come,