human
Erika!
gpt
Erika! he exclaimed, hoarsely, without advancing a step towards her. He took her for an illusion conjured up by his fancy. But as she drew near he felt the reality of her young life beside him.
human
Then it is really you? he murmured.
gpt
I thought it a phantom to deceive me. Why are you here?
human
No wonder you ask, she said, and her voice expressed unutterable compassion.
gpt
I come to bid you farewell.
human
Farewell! he gasped.
gpt
Then I was right to doubt you. And yet how bitterly I have reproached myself because----
human
Because----?
gpt
Because I ventured to suppose you had lost courage. What could I think? I waited for you at the station from one train to the next: you did not come. Then I told myself that you had simply treated me to a farce. But I cannot believe that now: as I look into your dear face I can find there no cowardice, nothing paltry. You have been detained against your will, and you are here yourself to tell me so. It is noble of you, Erika! my Erika!
human
All is over between us, she said, wearily.
gpt
It cannot be.
human
Over? It cannot be? Erika! What does this mean? Have you robbed me of all self-control only to desert me thus at the last moment? I cannot believe it of you, Erika!
gpt
Do not touch me, she begged.
human
I can scarcely stand. Something horrible has happened; I must tell you of it as quickly as possible, but I cannot stand upright.