human
The lady does well, he whispered.
gpt
I will send you another draught to give her when she awakes, which she will not however do until towards the evening; and then, when she speaks, try to tranquillise her mind, and induce her again to sleep. The slightest agitation might be fatal to her.
human
Oh, then, signor, I will tell her anything you advise, answered Marianna.
gpt
But I am much puzzled what to say; and I want you to tell me, among many other things, where we are going; because I know that will be one of the first questions she will ask me, and I'm sure I can't answer it.
human
Tell her, he said, at last,
gpt
Oh, but you have great influence with him who is commander; and you can make him do what you like, I am sure,
human
Indeed, I cannot, answered the young man, mournfully.
gpt
My influence extends but a short way, and can be but rarely exerted in the cause of right. Were I to attempt too much, I should become altogether powerless.
human
It may be better for your mistress and yourself that she remain as if overcome with illness till the conclusion of the voyage. Urge her not to rise, or to attempt to go on deck; and tell her that the leech who has attended her, has prescribed perfect silence and calmness. You understand me?
gpt
I do, signor--though I cannot comprehend your reasons, returned Marianna.
human
But, at all events, you can tell me when the voyage is to be brought to a conclusion. It has lasted already a long time. I did not think the Mediterranean sea was so large.
gpt
Even there I cannot satisfy you, returned he who was called by Marianna Signor Paolo.
human
Certainly not for many days; it may be even for some weeks. You observe, that we do not always continue sailing. We visit the shore occasionally, and, sometimes, remain hours together at anchor.
gpt
I cannot say exactly that I discovered that, answered the girl.
human
I thought sometimes the ship appeared to sail very slowly, and that we were very near the shore; but I knew not that we were altogether at rest. Yet I cannot understand why you should not tell me where we are going to.
gpt
Perhaps I myself do not know, returned Paolo evasively.
human
The commander of this ship does not always say where he will next steer.
gpt
There again--who is your commander? asked the girl.
human
It is strange you should not have told me his name.
gpt
You are much too curious, Marianna, answered Signor Paolo.
human
I must again warn you to prevent your mistress from asking questions, which you cannot answer; and now I must leave you, for the present; for I dare not remain long at a time here.
gpt
I will do as he tells me, at all events; and, as I may not go out, no one else shall come in without my leave.