human
How are you feeling now? he asked.
gpt
You look rested, and I hope are much refreshed.
human
Yes, thanks to your kindness, I am feeling like myself again. Is the storm over? What a narrow escape for us all! But, how came you here?
gpt
Ah, Belle, how happy I am that you are safe! I earnestly hope that you may experience no ill effects from your adventure.
human
No, I am feeling quite well excepting a little lameness in my arms. It was a long, hard pull for my weak hands, but had I not undertaken it our poor little boys would have been drowned. It was a terrible ordeal, and when the cruel waves capsized their boat my senses nearly left me. When I saw my loved ones on the rock clasped in Jane's arms, my heart sent forth such a prayer of thanks! Are the boys injured?
gpt
Not in the least, the little fellows are perfectly safe. I trembled for you, though, when I saw your white face, your eyes closed, and your lips speechless.
human
And yourself, George, she said,
gpt
It has been an anxious day for me. Had you been drowned, my heart would have been sorely stricken. Belle, I must speak--do forgive me--but you are dearer to me than all the world. I see you are offended, but when all I care for, all that I love, is before me I cannot help speaking from my heart.
human
Oh, think of what you are saying. I am not my own mistress. You are noble and brave, and having been the means of saving us from sorrow, I cannot be too grateful to you. You are more to me than--than I wish; but do not talk of this to-day. The scenes of the morning--the awful waves, that seem even now to laugh me to scorn--make this moment too much like the bright day following the darkness of night--too much like the sunshine after a storm. Please, George, no more of this--at least not now.
gpt
As you say; but hark! hear the merry laugh of the boys. Come, let us join them. There! you look like your own dear self again.