human
I can't, Anna; I cannot,
gpt
Then you wish me to die?
human
You won't die. You are young. You will live to be happy again.
gpt
All is over for me, Giustino. This is death.
human
No, it's not death, Anna.
gpt
You talk like Cesare Dias, she cried, moving away from him.
human
You speak like a sceptic who has neither love nor faith. You are like him--corrupt, cynical----
gpt
You insult me; but you're right.
human
I am dishonoured: do you realise that? I am a fugitive from my people; I am alone here with you in an hotel. I am dishonoured, dishonoured, coward that you are. You can go home quietly, having had an amusing adventure; but I--I have no home any more. I was a good girl; now I am lost.
gpt
Your people know where you are and what you have done--that you have done nothing wrong. They know that you have done it in response to a generous impulse for one who was not worthy of you, but who has respected you.
human
And who told them?
gpt
I.
human
When?
gpt
This morning.
human
To whom did you tell it?
gpt
To your sister and your guardian.
human
Did they come to ask you?
gpt
No, I went to them.
human
And what did you agree upon amongst you?
gpt
That I should come here and meet you.
human
And then?
gpt
That I should leave you.
human
When?
gpt
When Cesare Dias was ready to come and fetch you.
human
It's a beautiful plan, she said, icily.
gpt
The plan of calm, practical men. Bravo, bravo! You--you ran to my people, to exculpate yourself, to accuse me, to reassure them. Good, good! I am a mad child, guilty of a youthful escapade, which fortunately hasn't touched my reputation. You denounced me, told them that I wanted to elope with you; and you are a gentleman! Good! The whole thing was wonderfully well combined. I am to return home with Cesare Dias as if I had made a harmless little excursion, and what's done is done. You're right, of course; Cesare Dias is right; Laura Acquaviva, who has never loved and who despises those who love, Laura is right; you are all right. I alone am wrong. Oh, the laughable adventure! To attempt an elopement, and to fail in it, because the man won't elope. To return home because your lover has denounced you to your family! What a comedy! You are right. There has been no catastrophe. The solution is immensely humorous: I know it. I am like a suicide who didn't kill herself. You are right. I am wrong. You--you---- And she looked him full in the face, withering him with her glance.
human
Begone! I despise you. Begone!
gpt
Anna, Anna, don't send me away like this.
human
Begone! The cowardly way in which you have behaved is past contempt. Begone!
gpt
We mustn't part like this.
human
We are already parted, utterly separated. We have always been separated. Go away.
gpt
Anna, what I have done I have done for your sake, for your good. Now you send me away. Afterwards you will do me justice. I am an honourable man--that is my sin.
human
I don't know you. Good-day.
gpt
But what will you do alone here?
human
That doesn't concern you. Good-day.
gpt
Let me wait for Cesare Dias.
human
If you don't go at once I'll open the window and throw myself from the balcony,
gpt
Good-bye, then.
human
Good-bye.