human
You see, she said, with a wan smile,
gpt
I have recovered, and since you have not been to call on me, I have come to you.
human
We were just about setting off, having waited for certain information of the steamer. If the good sisters had allowed it, we would have remained near you all the time.
gpt
Ay, kept watch and watch without the walls; and every night we strolled to the fort to see the distant light on the Convent Tower. If there was anything amiss with you, the sister agreed to show two lights, when we'd have posted off.
human
So you did not forget me, then?
gpt
No more than the sailor could forget the lone star by which he steers in the dark night.
human
We have your luggage ready, Miss Anstrade, said Hume, after handing her to a seat on the balcony,
gpt
And the Golden Rock?
human
That can wait a few more months.
gpt
There may be others in search of it. No, you must lose no time, for success will not wait upon your leisure. Remember, she said, with a despairing gesture,
human
Are not we your friends?
gpt
Friends of a day--gone to-morrow--forgotten, and forgetting in a week.
human
You may forget, murmured Frank;
gpt
Women do not forget. Their lives are confined by convention, narrowed often by small duties--the memories they have of things outside their usual limit remain with them always. I will not forget--ah! would to Heaven I could rub out the events of the last month!
human
Would you blot us out also?
gpt
Why not? I cannot--but if I could, why not? You are passing away into fresh scenes and excitements, where your regrets will vanish and your memories be blurred. But what is then left for me?
human
You are young, Miss Anstrade, and it is not meant that youth should suffer.
gpt
When do you sail?
human
We sail with you to-morrow.
gpt
I am not going.
human
What!
gpt
Yes; I will remain here. There is work in the convent yonder for such as would forget.
human
Good God!
gpt
You cannot mean it, said Hume, looking at her steadily.
human
No; it is impossible. It would be cruel.
gpt
I astonish you, my friends; and yet, if you consider, it is very reasonable, this step of mine. I have talked with the gentle sisters, and found them steeped in a loving patience that knows no fear of the past and allows no dread of the future. Yet some of them gave up more than I do--brothers, sisters, even lovers.
human
It is horrible! And this island, of all places, with a copper heaven above and an earth of iron below.
gpt
We can't allow it,
human
Then take me with you, she said softly, as she bent forward, with a flush in her cheeks;