human
Alfred, my husband exclaimed Mrs. Wentworth, extending her arms,
gpt
I am so glad you have come that I can see you once more before I die.
human
Eva, my heart strings are torn with agony to see you thus he replied raising her gently and pillowing his head on her bosom,
gpt
Oh! my wife, that this should be the end of all my hopes. What consolation is there left to me on earth when you are gone.
human
Speak not so despairingly she answered,
gpt
It were better that I should die than live with a burning conscience. My husband, the act for which I have been tried, still haunts me, for here on earth it will ever be a reproach, while in Heaven, the sin I committed will be forgiven through the intercession of a divine Savior.
human
Perish the remembrance of that act! answered her husband.
gpt
To me my darling wife it can make no difference, for I regret only the necessity which impelled you to do it, and not the act. Live, oh my wife, live and your fair fame shall never suffer, while your husband is able to shield you from the reproaches of the world. Though the proud may affect to scorn you, those in whose hearts beats a single touch of generosity will forgive and forget it, and if even they do not, in the happiness of my unfaltering affections, the opinions of the world, can be easily disregarded.
human
It cannot be she answered,
gpt
I am dying Alfred, and before many hours, the spirit will be resting in heaven. To have you by my side ere my breath leaves my body, to grasp your hand, and gaze on your loved features ere I die, removes all my unhappiness of the weary months now past, and I leave this world content.
human
Oh my wife said Alfred,
gpt
Is this the end of our married life? Is this the reward I reap for serving my country! Oh, had I remained in New Orleans, the eye of the libertine would never have been cast upon you, and you would have been saved from the grasp of the heartless speculator and extortioner.--What is independence compared with you my wife? What have I gained by severing the ties of love and leaving a happy home, to struggle for the liberty of my country? A dead child--a dying wife--a child who will now be motherless; while I will be a wretched heart-broken man. Better, far better, had I resisted the calls of my country, and remained with you, than to return and find my happiness gone, and my family beggared, and tossing on the rough billows of adversity, unheeded by the wealthy, and unfriended by all.
human
Speak not so, my husband, she answered,
gpt
Eva, Eva, he exclaimed,
human
Alfred, she said,
gpt
I promise,
human
There is now but one thing that gives me thought, she continued, her voice growing weaker each moment,
gpt
Shall have a home so long as I live and his father is serving his country, interrupted Dr. Humphries.
human
Rest easy on that subject, madam, he continued,
gpt
Then I die happy, said Mrs. Wentworth, and turning to her husband she said with difficulty,
human
Farewell, my husband. Amid all my trials and sufferings my love for you has ever been as true and pure as the hour we married. To die in your arms, with my head on your bosom was all I wished, and my desire is gratified. Farewell.