human
We agreed that I was to stay with Alice, she said.
gpt
You forget I am staying with Alice: she--she keeps me safe, you know. Ah! people change so; I am sometimes--half afraid--of Alice, Mr. Vincent. My child is like her--my child--she did not know me! cried the wretched woman, with a sob that came out of the depths of her heart;
human
she went on again, once more recovering her balance for an instant,
gpt
said Mrs. Hilyard, gradually acquiring a little more steadiness,
human
This is madness, said Vincent;
gpt
If you will tell me what kind of things people can escape from, I will answer you, said his strange companion, still becoming more composed.
human
Hush! I said what was true. The governess, you know, had your address. Is it very long since yesterday when I got that news from Dover? Never mind. I daresay I am asking wild questions that cannot have any answer. Do you remember being here with me once before? Do you remember looking through the grating and seeing----? Ah, there is Mr. Fordham now with Alice! Poor young man! said Mrs. Hilyard, turning once more to look at him, still vigilant and anxious, but with a softened glance.
gpt
Poor minister! I told you not to fall in love with her lovely face. I told you she was kind, too kind--she does not mean any harm. I warned you. Who could have thought then that we should have so much to do with each other? she resumed, shrinking from him, and trying to conceal how she shrank with another convulsive shiver;
human
Not till you have returned to the house; and given me your word of honour, said Vincent,
gpt
My word! but women are not bound by their honour; our honour means--not our word, cried Mrs. Hilyard, wildly;
human
she repeated, with a miserable cry;
gpt
But you must not leave this house, said Vincent, firmly.
human
You understand what I mean. You must not leave Lady Western. Go with her where she pleases; but unless you promise on your honour to remain here, and with her, I shall be obliged----
gpt
Hush! she said, trembling--
human
she continued, turning and looking anxiously round into the dull winter daylight, as if calculating what chance she had of rushing away and eluding him. Then her eyes returned to the face of the young man, who stood firm and watchful beside her--agitated, yet so much stronger, calmer, even more resolute than she; then shrinking back, and keeping her eyes, with a kind of fascinated gaze, upon his face, she repeated the words slowly,
gpt
I promise--upon my honour. I will not go away--escape, as you call it. If I should go mad, that will not matter. Yes, ring the bell for me. You are the stronger now. I will obey you and go back. You have taken a woman's parole, Mr. Vincent, she went on, with a strange spasmodic shadow of that old movement of her mouth;
human
She spoke with a trembling desperation of calmness, mastering herself with all her power. She did not remove her eyes from his face till the door had been opened.
gpt
I promise, on my honour,