human
I have been longing to come and see you, since I heard of your arrival, Donna Theresa began.
gpt
And no sooner was I told that you could receive me, than I flew hither.
human
They told me you were very beautiful, she continued;
gpt
Oh, not half enough so! she answered;
human
I have seen him but twice,
gpt
Oh, how fortunate you were! answered Donna Theresa, laughing.
human
Few have so many opportunities of judging of their future lords and masters. Then, for a second wonder, the report is correct, and you are betrothed to the count?
gpt
Oh, I trust in Heaven not, said Clara, sorrowfully:
human
I could never love the count.
gpt
Very likely not, returned her visitor, laughing.
human
It is a question seldom asked of us poor girls till we arrive at the altar, with a lie on our tongues. But your father wishes for the match?
gpt
Oh, then, I fear, poor bird, you are entrapped; but you need not be unhappy alone, for you have plenty of sisters in affliction;
human
But is it possible to marry a man one cannot love?
gpt
Possible! why yes, such is but a trifle, which thousands do every day, answered her guest, laughing at her simplicity.
human
It is a trifle not worth thinking about. We poor women are doomed to have husbands of some sort; such is our unavoidable lot, and we must submit to it; but for my part, I prefer having one I do not love; for he will give me much less trouble in managing, and I shall be able to enjoy as much liberty as I can desire. Now I should advise you to follow my example.
gpt
Ah, I see you have a great deal of rustic simplicity to cure yourself of, before you can properly appreciate the pleasures of a city life; but after you have married the count, I shall find you wonderfully improved.
human
I can never marry the count: I shall enter a convent rather,
gpt
Oh, horror of horrors! I know not why such places were invented, except as a punishment for our sins, or by some sour, crusty old fathers, to frighten their daughters into obedience to their tyrannical commands. I have heard some extraordinary stories about two or three convents in the old king's time, which I will tell you; for they may amuse you, though I do not think they would encourage a modest young lady to enter one, as they are not much improved since then.