human
I'm very much delighted, Col-on-el, she said, giving the military title its three distinct French syllables,
gpt
We shall always feel greatly indebted--
human
I want her to be happy, Col-on-el. She deserves it. She's a noble creature, with a heart of gold and a spirit of iron. And she loves me, I think.
gpt
I know she does, by Jove!
human
And I can't think of any one else who does love me for myself. She gave a thin, cackling laugh.
gpt
They love my money. Le bon Dieu has counted me worthy of having a good deal during these later years. And they're all very fond of it. But she's fond of _me_. I was very angry with her once; but now I want her to be happy with the man--with the man she's in love with. So when Mr. Davenant came and told me of your noble character--
human
The devil he did!
gpt
I beg your pardon--
human
Ça ne fait rien, Col-on-el. It's an expression of which I myself often use the equivalent--in French. But I don't wonder you're pleased. Your friend Mr. Davenant made the journey to Europe purposely to tell me how highly you were qualified as a suitor for my niece's hand. When one has a friend like that--
gpt
But he's not my friend.
human
You surprise me, Col-on-el. He spoke of you with so much praise--so much affection, I might say. He said no one could be so worthy to marry my niece--no one could make her so happy--no one could give her such a distinguished position in the world--no one was so fine a fellow in his own person--
gpt
But he's out there in Michigan--
human
He stayed with me two weeks at Melcourt-le-Danois. That is, he stayed at the inn in the village. It was the same thing. I was very angry with my niece before that. It was he who made me see differently. If it were not for him I shouldn't be here. He traveled to France expressly to beg my help--how shall I say?--on your behalf--in simplifying things--so that you and Olivia might be free from your sense of obligation to him--and might marry--
gpt
Did he say he was in love with her himself?
human
Ma foi, Col-on-el, he didn't have to.
gpt
Did he say-- He swallowed hard, and began again, more hoarsely:
human
Did he say she was--in love with--with _him_?
gpt
He's a very loyal gentleman. He didn't.
human
Did he make you think--?
gpt
What he made me think, Col-on-el, is my own affair.