human
Erika, she said, tenderly laying her hand on the girl's shoulder,
gpt
I only wanted to tell you----
human
You wanted to tell me--what?
gpt
That--that---- Erika's dry manner embarrassed her a little, but after a pause she went on:
human
I wanted to tell you not to take any fancies into your head with regard to Goswyn.
gpt
Fancies? Of what kind?
human
You would do him great injustice by supposing that his regard for you is one whit less than it ever was.
gpt
Indeed! I should do him injustice? Erika questioned in the same unnaturally quiet tone.
human
I think not. It is not my fashion to deceive myself. I know perfectly well that--that I have sunk in Goswyn's esteem; it is a very unpleasant conviction, I confess; and, to be frank, I would rather you did not mention the subject again.
gpt
But, Erika, if you would only listen, the old Countess persisted.
human
He adores you. His pride alone keeps him from you: you are too wealthy; your social position is too brilliant.
gpt
Say no more, she cried.
human
I know what I know! But you must not waste your pity upon me: my vanity is wounded, not my heart. I value Goswyn highly, and it troubles me that he no longer admires me as he did, but, I assure you, I have not the slightest desire to marry him. I pray you to believe this: at least it may prevent you, perhaps, from throwing me at his head a second time, without my knowledge. If you do it, I declare to you, I will reject him.