human
There _is_ a man, she whispered rather than spoke, the pupils in her eyes dilating so that the blue irises nearly disappeared.
gpt
But I loathe him, I hate him, I abhor him! And were it not wicked to kill, he would have been dead long ago. Enough! If you ever ask another question, I will leave you. I like you, but I insist that my secrets shall be my own, since they concern you in no manner.
human
I am sorry, said Kitty with contrition.
gpt
But I suspected there was a man. I understand. He was false to you and broke your heart,
human
No, Kitty; only my pride.
gpt
It is a strange world,
human
It would be otherwise were it not that the heart and the mind are always at war. But let us turn to our affairs. I received a letter to-day.
gpt
From home?
human
I have no home, Kitty. The letter is from a friend in Naples. Mr. Hillard and Mr. Merrihew, friends of yours, are in Italy.
gpt
Where are they? Where are they stopping?
human
That I do not know. But listen. They have started out to find us. When I tell you that Mr. Hillard is the gentleman I dined with that night before we sailed, you will understand my reasons for wishing to avoid him. From this time on we must never appear on the streets without our veils. If by chance we meet them, we must give no sign. It will be only for a little while. Your letter will come soon, and you may renew your acquaintance with these two gentlemen when you return home. It may be hard for you; but if you wish to stay with me, my will must be a law unto you.
gpt
Not to speak to them if we meet them?
human
No.
gpt
But that is cruel of you. They are both gentlemen,
human
I do not know Mr. Merrihew, but I can say that Mr. Hillard is a gentleman. I have proved that. As for being cruel, I am not; only selfish.
gpt
Are you not a queen who has run away from a kingdom? asked Kitty bitterly.
human
One reads about them every day in the papers.
gpt
My dear, you are free to choose one of two paths. Sometimes I need you, Kitty; and the sight of you and the knowledge of your nearness helps me. I shall not urge you one way or the other, but you must make your final choice at once.