human
Oh Drayton, you can never know how lovely, how divine she looked that evening. She had on what they call, I believe, a demi-toilette; open at the throat, you know, and half the arm showing. No woman could have looked more beautiful than she, before I put on the chain and locket; yet when they were on, she looked as handsome again. It was really wonderful--the effect they had. Her eyes deepened, and an indescribable change or modulation--imperceptible, very likely, to anyone beside myself, her lover--came over her face. I think it was a shade of sadness--of mystery--no, I can only repeat, that it was indescribable; but it gave her beauty just the touch that made it, humanly speaking, perfect. I daresay this is all very tiresome to you, Drayton, but I can't help it!
gpt
Oh, go on, my dear fellow, said I warmly; for, indeed, I was moved as well as excited.
human
Won't you sit down? Here, take my chair!
gpt
As I fastened the clasp, I said: 'You are fettered for ever now, Edna!' and she said, with her eyes sparkling: 'Yes, I am the thrall of the locket; the giver may lead me in triumph where he will!' Just as the words passed her lips, Drayton, I felt a sensation of coldness and depression; I gave an involuntary shudder, and looking quickly in Edna's eyes, I saw there the very reflection of my own feeling! We were alone, and yet there seemed to be a third person present--cold, hateful, malevolent. He seemed to be between us--to be pressing us irresistibly apart; and I felt powerless to contend against the insidious influence; and so was she. For an instant or two we gazed fearfully and strangely at each other; then she said faintly: 'Come to me--take me!' and half held out her arms, her face and lips all pale. Drayton, I cannot tell you what a desperate struggle I had with myself then! My whole soul leapt out towards her with a passion such as I had never known before; and yet my body seemed paralysed. I had felt something similar to it in dreams before then; but the dream pain was nothing to the real pain. A cold dead hand was on my heart, dragging it backward, deadening it; and another at my throat, stifling me. But I fought against it--it seemed to me I sweated drops of blood--but I overcame. I put my arm round her waist--I kissed her; and yet, though I seemed to hold her--though our lips seemed to meet--still that Thing was between us--we did not really touch each other! With all our love, we were like lifeless clay to one another's caress. It was a mockery--our souls could meet no more. Here Calbot covered his eyes with his hand for a short time.
human
It was the last time I ever kissed her,