human
But how was I brought up here? I knew nothing from the instant you were at my side on the door-step till I saw you coming in with the lamp.
gpt
In your husband's arms.
human
What a heavy load for you to carry!
gpt
No, not at all; I did it with perfect ease, except for the darkness and the fear that you might recover consciousness on the way and scream out with affright before you discovered who your captor was.
human
My husband, my dear, kind husband!
gpt
My darling little wife,
human
Would you mind telling me where you were going and what you intended to do?
gpt
I have no right to refuse, if you require a full confession,
human
I don't require it, but should like to have it, nevertheless; for I confess my curiosity is piqued,
gpt
There isn't really very much to tell, she sighed,
human
I am not laughing, love, he said in soothing, half-tremulous tones, taking her in his arms and holding her close, as he had done the night before.
gpt
How could I laugh at you for being willing to sacrifice everything for me? But that's not all?
human
Not quite. It came to me like a flash about the stage passing so near at two o'clock in the morning, and that I could get away then without being seen, and after I was in it make up my mind where I would get out.
gpt
And how did you expect to support yourself?
human
There was some money in my purse--you never let it get empty, Ned--and--I thought I wouldn't need any very long.
gpt
Wouldn't? why not?
human
Oh, I was sure, _sure_ I couldn't live long without you,
gpt
You dear, dear little thing! he said with emotion, and tightening his clasp of her slight form;
human
No, you weren't, except in going away without making up and saying good-by.
gpt
It's very generous in you to say it, darling. But how large was this sum of money that you expected to last as long as you needed any?
human
I don't know. I didn't stop to count it. You can do that, if you want to. I suppose the purse is in my satchel.
gpt
Barely ten dollars, he said.
human
It would have lasted but a few days, and, my darling, what would have become of you then?
gpt
I don't know, Ned, she replied;
human
I suppose I'd have had to look for employment.
gpt
To think of you, my little, delicate, petted darling, looking for employment by which to earn your daily bread! he exclaimed with emotion.
human
It is plain you know nothing of the hardships and difficulties you would have had to encounter. I shudder to think of it all. But I should never have let it come to that.
gpt
Would you have looked for me, Ned?
human
I should have begun the search the instant I heard of your flight, nor ever have known a moment's rest till I found you! he exclaimed with energy.
gpt
But as I came in the stage you purposed to take, I should have met and brought you back, if that fortunate mishap had not taken place.
human
Oh, I never could have dreamed that it would all end so well, so happily for me!
gpt
And yet, dear one, I do not think you at all realize how painful--not to say dreadful--would have been the consequences to you, to me, and, indeed, to all the family, if you had succeeded in carrying out what I must call your crazy scheme.
human
O Ned, dear Ned, I never thought of that! she exclaimed, interrupting him with a burst of tears and sobs.
gpt
I wouldn't for the world have wrought harm to you or any of them.