human
Oh! Monsieur Clarges, Laure exclaimed, as she sat by the side of his great fire, the cloak removed from her shoulders, her hood off, and her beautiful hair, unspoilt by any wig, looped up behind her head.
gpt
Oh! Monsieur Clarges, now it is finished I reproach myself bitterly with the wrong I have performed against you. I--I----
human
I beseech you, he said, coming back to where she sat, and standing in front of her.
gpt
I beseech you not to do so. What has been done has been my own thought; my own suggestion. And you will remember that, when I asked you to be my wife a year ago and you refused, I told you that, if you would accept me, I would never force my love on you further than in desiring that I might serve you. The chance has come for me to do so--I thank God it has come!--I have had my opportunity. Whatever else may happen, I have been enabled to save you from the terrible fate you dreaded.
human
Why, why could she not have given him the love he craved for? Why not?
gpt
There was, she said aloud and speaking slowly, while, with her hands before her on her knees, she twined her fingers together.
human
There was no just reason why you should have made this sacrifice for me. I--I refused to give the love you craved, therefore you were absolved from all consideration of me. I had no claim on you--no part nor share in your life. Oh! Monsieur, she broke off,
gpt
Hush, he said.
human
Hush, I beseech you. I loved you a year ago, and I made my offer--even proffered my terms. You would not accept those terms then; yet, because the offer was made, I have kept to it. Do you think the story of your unacknowledged birth and parentage could cause me to alter? Nay!--if I have saved you, I am content.
gpt
I loved you last year, he had said once; not,
human
I love you.
gpt
Now, he went on, seating himself in a chair opposite to her on the other side of the great fireplace.
human
Now, let us talk of the future. Of what we must do. This is what I purpose.