human
It did not occur to me before, he said,
gpt
Ill!
human
In mind, not in body. You have received letters from him lately, I believe?
gpt
Yes, three or four--the last a fortnight ago.
human
Does he say he is unwell?
gpt
No; but now I think of it, he does not write in his usual good spirits.
human
You have his address?
gpt
Yes; he is in Switzerland, you know.
human
So Mr. Hartrich informed me--somewhere in the mountains, endeavouring to extract peace of mind from silence and solitude. That is well enough for a few days, and intellectual men are always grateful for such a change; but, if it is prolonged, there is danger of its bringing a mental disease of a serious and enduring nature upon a man brooding upon unhealthy fancies. I value Almer too highly to lose sight of him, or to allow him to drift. He has no family ties, and is in a certain sense a lonely man. Why should he not come and remain with us during our stay in the village? I had an idea that he himself would have proposed doing so.
gpt
He might have considered it indelicate, said Adelaide with a bright colour in her face,
human
It is by no means likely, said the Advocate, shaking his head,
gpt
he said, with a regretful pathos in his voice,
human
I hope you do not think otherwise now,
gpt
Why, no, he said with a sigh of relief;
human
No, she could not imagine why he should be melancholy.
gpt
Mr. Hartrich, continued the Advocate,
human
Mr. Hartrich's suggestion is absurd; I am convinced Mr. Almer has not met with a disappointment in love. He is so bright and attractive----
gpt
That any woman, said the Advocate, taking up the thread, for Adelaide seemed somewhat at a loss for words,
human
Yes.
gpt
I agree with you. I have never in my life known a man more likely to inspire love in a woman's heart than Christian Almer, and I have sometimes wondered that he had not met with one to whom he was drawn; it would be a powerful influence over him for good. Of an impure passion I believe him incapable. Write to him to-night, and urge him to come to us.
human
If you wrote to him, also, it would be as well.
gpt
I will do so; you can enclose my letter in yours. How does your new maid suit you?
human
Admirably. She is perfection.
gpt
Which does not exist.
human
If I could induce her grandmother to part with her, I should like to keep her with me always.
gpt
Do not tempt her, Adelaide. For a simple maid a country life is the happiest and best--indeed, for any maid, or any man, young or old.
human
How seldom practice and precept agree! Why do you not adopt a country life?
gpt
Too late. A man must follow his star. I should die of inaction in the country; and you--I smile when I think what would become of you were I to condemn you to it.
human
You are not always right. I adore the country!
gpt
For an hour and a day. Adelaide, you could not exist out of society.