human
What is it the fidalgo has been telling me, that my child wishes to go into a convent? Why, she never before uttered such an idea to me! Would she have all that beautiful fair hair cut off, and hide that lovely face within the gloomy walls of a nunnery? I should die to see my child so lost to the world.
gpt
Oh no, no, I do not wish to go into a nunnery, my good ama, returned Clara, as soon as she had recovered sufficiently to speak;
human
Not wish to marry! Ha, ha! that's what many young ladies say, but don't mean, minha alma! You would be very happy to marry, if the right person offered. Now, suppose that handsome young Don Luis d'Almeida proposed to you. Would not he please you, my child?
gpt
Oh, but he is not the person selected for me, my good nurse,
human
Who is it, then, my love?--speak, pray,
gpt
It is that dark Count San Vincente, my brother's friend,
human
Oh, he is not half so handsome as Don Luis; so I am not surprised at your not liking him; and he did not even deign to speak to me, when he came out to meet us on our coming here. Don Luis will suit you much better, and I will tell the fidalgo so. Come, now, dry your eyes, and you shall be happy.
gpt
But, alas! my kind nurse, my father has pledged his word to the count, and cannot retract,
human
I don't understand anything about pledging words; but I will not have my child made unhappy, to please that rude count. So do not fear, my soul. I will persuade your father, or I will frighten the count. I will do something or other; but you shall neither marry him nor go into a convent. Now, go to bed again, my love, and to-morrow you will be quite well and happy.