human
Cousin, Madeleine said coldly.
gpt
You break upon me suddenly. I had better company before you came. Why do you drive my friends away?
human
You are alone, he said.
gpt
None dare visit you without permission.
human
I am never alone, she declared.
gpt
My friends left me when you entered; but they shall return when you depart.
human
Am not I a friend? Nay, more--I am a relation, began Roussilac; but she checked him with the reproof:
gpt
I have no family now that Jean-Marie is dead.
human
Your mother,
gpt
She has delivered me into the power of the Church.
human
Because it is best for you. I would care for your body, Madeleine, as your mother cares for your soul. Cousin, think not unkindly of me. I would release you; but what power have I to remove the judgment of the Abbé Laroche? He has sentenced you to close confinement, until----
gpt
My lover returns to release me,
human
Foolish girl, would you rouse all the evil in me? Bear with me, cousin, he went on quickly.
gpt
It is not in me to endure patiently. Since that day when I stood before you in the grove I have not known the meaning of peace. My nights have been long, my days dark, my position unprofitable----
human
Because you think that you love me.
gpt
I do love you, sweet cousin.
human
You do not love me. Need I give you the lie when your own tongue gives it you? Is it love when the nights become long, and the day dark, and position brings no pleasure? Arnaud, I love, and am held in prison; but my nights are short, my days warm, and my position is a happiness. Believe you that love, however unrequited, takes away from life? I tell you it adds, it enriches, it beautifies. It is a crown which makes a humble man a king, and the halo which makes the singing-girl a saint. Love gives a man strength to use his power, to defy superstition and false religion, to snap his fingers in the face of a fat priest who believes that a strong will may be bent and broken by holding the body in bondage. Had I my heart to offer I would scorn your cowardly love.