human
Well, said he--for indeed his passion almost deprived him of his power of speech--
gpt
I have nothing to say, she said with some little sadness in her voice,
human
Indeed, indeed I did not, she said piteously.
gpt
I had mistaken my own feelings--the temptation was too great. Oh, Mr. Roscorla, you need not say harsh things of me, for indeed I think worse of myself than you can do.
human
And I suppose you want forgiveness now? he added bitterly.
gpt
But I have had enough of that. A woman pledges you her affection, promises to marry you, professes to have no doubts as to the future; and all the while she is secretly encouraging the attentions of a young jackanapes who is playing with her and making a fool of her.
human
Yes, playing with her and making a fool of her. And for what? To pass an idle time and make her the by-word of her neighbors.
gpt
It is not true, it is not true, she said indignantly; and there was a dangerous light in her eyes.
human
If he were here, you would not dare to say such things to me--no, you would not dare.
gpt
Perhaps you expect him to call after the pretty exploit of last night?
human
I do not, she said.
gpt
I hope I shall never see him again. It is--it is only misery to every one.
human
But what madness is this? Roscorla cried.
gpt
You wish never to meet him again, yet you are ready at a moment's notice to run away with him, disgracing yourself and your family. You make promises about never seeing him: you break them the instant you get the opportunity. You profess that your girlish fancy for a barber's block of a fellow has been got over; and then, as soon as one's back is turned, you reveal your hypocrisy.
human
Indeed I did not mean to deceive you, she said imploringly.
gpt
I did believe that all that was over and gone. I thought it was a foolish fancy.
human
And now?
gpt
Oh, Mr. Roscorla, you ought to pity me instead of being angry with me. I do love him: I cannot help it. You will not ask me to marry you? See, I will undertake not to marry him--I will undertake never to see him again--if only you will not ask me to keep my promise to you. How can I? How can I?
human
Pity you! and these are the confessions you make! he exclaimed.
gpt
Why, are you not ashamed of yourself to say such things to me? And so you would undertake not to marry him? I know what your undertakings are worth.