human
I can smell the pines, she gasped,
gpt
she panted.
human
It is glorious to live!
gpt
The black priest has gone. Let us hope that he has been blown away into a swamp, where the fairies shall bewitch him into a frog to croak at the world for ever. Come now away. Tell me whether you had dreams in the night. But stay!
human
Madeleine!
gpt
I must remove this mask, she cried in a stately fashion, frowning and placing her hands upon her sides.
human
Sir, who are you that you should strive to win the heart of Madeleine Labroquerie? Why, I have sworn to wed a knight, a man of title and estate, and you, a smooth-faced boy, with long hair and cheeks as pink as mine, you come and speak to me of love. Sir, how dare you thus to use an innocent maid?
gpt
Madeleine----
human
Madeleine, she imitated.
gpt
Here is free-speech indeed. Now, sir, stand and let me show you what you are. You are an Englishman, an adventurer, one of a small band who think themselves strong enough to attack the power of France in this new land, and you, the enemy of my people, come to me with a tale of love, believing me to be a maid of the wilds to be won and cast aside at will. Speak not to me. I will not hear you. I am no simple provincial maid that I should fall in love with a soldier's handsome face. Last night, yes, last night, after an acquaintance of but three days, you dared to own your love, and to humour you--in truth I was afraid--I confessed that I also loved you. I, a French girl, such a traitress as to love an enemy of my people! I was but fooling you. How I laughed to myself at deceiving you so readily.
human
I fear I have already tarried here too long,
gpt
Stay one moment, cried the haughty beauty.
human
I should be base did I not warn you. Soldiers are waiting for you upon every side. East, west, north, and south they lie in wait for you.
gpt
There are no soldiers nearer than the fortress,
human
You may believe so, replied the traitress.
gpt
But you have learnt little of this country if you do not know that military posts are set about from place to place. One such post is near at hand, and thither I sent our servant after your coming. Can you not perceive that I have betrayed you?
human
I thank you for your warning, but I may stay no longer,
gpt
Which way do you take?
human
I am southward bound.
gpt
You are--brave, friend.
human
Friend! he exclaimed, with a sobbing note of indignation.
gpt
Would you have me trust in you again?
human
I had forgot, she admitted.
gpt
Are you going now?
human
Have you, then, no word of farewell?
gpt
May you live to fortune and a happy future.
human
You said you loved me, said Madeleine, her figure drooping.
gpt
Why did you deceive me?
human
I loved you, he said hotly, moving back a step.
gpt
And I love you still. When I first saw you standing by the fire with the sun falling on your head I loved you. When I have left you I shall see, not the girl who desired to betray me, but her who gave me this to hold for my protection while I slept.
human
You cut it off, she faltered. Then her manner changed again.
gpt
Throw it down. Stamp upon it. Tread it into the ground.
human
I use it, he said,
gpt
You love me. Take me there, Geoffrey. That is my place. I will not be held out. Geoffrey, I love you. Oh, blind, blind! I love you with all my heart and soul.
human
I am the wickedest of liars, she breathed, twisting her fingers within his.
gpt
I would not have gone so far, but I thought that you knew. I thought that you feigned to hate me in return for my cruelty. Ah, Geoffrey, I loved you when first our eyes met. I did so desire your love, but, sweetheart--foolish, credulous--I--I feared you might think I was won too easily. Will you value your prize the more, when I tell you that my treachery, the story of the soldiers, the settlement?--Oh, oh!
human
Betray you, blind love! she whispered.
gpt
Dear foolish sweetheart, I would open my veins and give my blood for you. How I tortured you! Knowing what a cruel nature your love possesses, knowing it, can you still love her?
human
Madeleine----
gpt
Stop, she entreated, lifting her violet eyes.
human
Repeat that name a hundred times, and find for it a new attribute of love each time. But let the first be false and the second fair.
gpt
Sweet Madeleine!
human
Call me so, Geoffrey, she murmured.
gpt
And I shall not wish to change.