human
Oh, Cyril, how you startled me! she said, pleased with the unexpected encounter.
gpt
I am so glad to see you, dear. Have you heard----
human
I have heard, and I am very angry, he said hotly.
gpt
Dear, what does your aunt mean by treating you in this way?
human
I expect she wants the Manor to herself now that she is married. Who told you?
gpt
Miss Ankers. I met her coming out of school. She told me that you were returning to dinner, so I came to fetch you. I guessed that I should find you here, and so----
human
I am glad to see you, said Bella again,
gpt
I am worried about this mysterious double of mine, he muttered, and lying full length on the burnt grass he tilted his hat over his eyes. He did indeed look ill, for his face was very pale and lines appeared on his forehead which should not have been there at his age. In some extraordinary way he seemed to have aged, as it were, in a moment.
human
I am very much worried, he sighed;
gpt
In what way?
human
I don't know how to move, explained the young man.
gpt
While you were safe at Bleacres with your aunt I could wait. But now that you have no home, I should like to marry you at once. He sighed again.
human
But that is impossible, dear, owing to circumstances.
gpt
You need not trouble about me, said Bella promptly.
human
I have got one hundred pounds, and I am quite glad to be away from Aunt Rosamund's incessant nagging. I can live with Dora and pay my way until such time as you can marry me.
gpt
Heaven only knows when I can marry you!
human
I can tell you, said Bella, removing the hat from his anxious face in order to look into his eyes;
gpt
I have come to be frank with you,
human
It sounds like it.
gpt
My dear --he sat up to speak more forcibly--
human
What do you mean?
gpt
Mean? I scarcely know what I mean--that is, I scarcely dare put my thoughts into words. Of course, I may be wrong. I sincerely trust that I am wrong. All the same, there is no denying that I have grave grounds for my belief.
human
What belief?
gpt
I have an idea that my double--that is, the man who was mistaken by you and Pence for me on that night--might be--oh! --he rested his head between his hands with a groan--
human
I dare not tell you who he might be.
gpt
You have some idea?
human
Yes; I wish I hadn't.
gpt
Is it anyone I know?
human
No.
gpt
Is it----
human
Oh, my dear! don't ask questions which I dare not answer.
gpt
You must answer, said Bella firmly.
human
I must share your griefs as well as sorrows. Tell me everything. Go on, Cyril, tell me quickly!
gpt
Hush! Lister started to his feet with an alarmed look.
human
What's that? I swear that I heard a rustling in the underwood. Someone is listening.