human
No, by God! You are not going back to St. Michael’s! he whispered.
gpt
You little white soul, can’t you see I love and adore you? Can’t you see it was because I couldn’t bear another man to—to have you, that I was a brute to you? Do you think that any wrong others have done can keep you from me, from letting me take you where you belong? Donelle! Donelle, kiss me, child.
human
May I—kiss you?
gpt
No.
human
But you are mine, Donelle, and all the powers in the world cannot alter that. I am going to make you believe me. What do I care for anything but this? You have driven everything but yourself from sight. When you play, great heavens, Donelle, when you play to me, moving about as you did that first and only time in my cabin, you took me into a Great Place. Don’t tremble, little girl, don’t. Every quiver hurts me. I am going to make you forget the brute in me; I’m going to meet your love, dear heart, with one as fine, so help me God! Trust me, Donelle, trust me and when you can tell me that you do trust me, we will go to Mam’selle. She will understand, she has the mighty soul. Oh, Donelle!
gpt
My little white love! he whispered.
human
But you will come and play for me?
gpt
Yes.
human
And you will, you will give me a fair show?
gpt
If I ever give you cause again to fear me, I hope——
human
I am so afraid of this wonderful thing that is happening to me, she said,
gpt
Don’t fear the love, my darling. It’s the sacredest thing in the world. Norval had taken the hand from his lips and now held it in his own.
human
And we’ll keep it holy, Donelle. That is our part.
gpt
Yes, yes; but to think, to think!
human
Don’t think, sweet, here. Come close and try to—to—love for a moment without remembering.
gpt
Why, how can I?
human
Try.