human
But why will you not tell me more of that early time? You are less communicative even than Leonard.
gpt
Indeed there is nothing to tell you that you do not know; and it is so long since, and things are so changed now.
human
How I envy you that past which you treat so lightly! To have been something, even in childhood, to the formation of a noble nature; to have borne on those slight shoulders half the load of a man's grand labor. And now to see Genius moving calm in its clear career; and to say inly, 'Of that genius I am a part!'
gpt
A part! Oh, no! A part? I don't understand you.
human
Take the child Beatrice from Dante's life, and should we have a Dante? What is a poet's genius but the voice of its emotions? All things in life and in Nature influence genius; but what influences it the most, are its sorrows and affections.
gpt
Yes, Helen, yes--I know by my own heart how to read yours. Such memories are ineffaceable. Few guess what strange self-weavers of our own destinies we women are in our veriest childhood! She sunk her voice into a whisper:
human
How could Leonard fail to be dear to you--dear as you to him--dearer than all others?
gpt
Hush, hush! you must not speak to me thus; it is wicked--I can not bear it. I would not have it be so--it must not be--it can not!
human
How have I wounded you?--how offended? Forgive me--but why is this wicked? Why must it not be? Is it because he is below you in birth?
gpt
Helen, Helen! cried Violante, in her warm, generous passion,
human
Cease--cease--cease.
gpt
What! You can fear Harley--Lord L'Estrange? Fie; you do not know him.
human
Violante, hold; I am engaged to another.