human
I have been very selfish, Elizabeth, said Herr von Walde, putting her hand within his arm, and no longer loitering.
gpt
I knew that your family was most anxious about you; that your father and uncle were ranging the forest in search of you, while my people, and many of the Lindhof peasants, were traversing the country in all directions upon the same errand, and yet I forgot everything when I found you.
human
My poor father and mother!
gpt
Friedrich runs quickly, von Walde said, soothingly;
human
There is a life-and-death struggle going on there, murmured Herr von Walde, looking up.
gpt
She loved that wretch devotedly; how fearful her awakening must be!
human
Go and comfort her,
gpt
Comfort her? At such a moment? My child, who could have come to me with comfort when I thought I had lost you? Helene shut herself in her room when I ordered Herr von Hollfeld’s horse to be brought to the door; her maid is near her. A long time must elapse before she wishes to see me; when we have been grossly deceived we do not immediately turn to those who warned us of the deceit. Besides, I will not enter my house again until I am sure that your parents will not snatch you from me.
human
Do you remember?
gpt
Yes, yes. There you told me so bravely of your determination to go out into the world as a governess, and I took the liberty of declaring to myself that I never would permit it. I had to exert all my self-control to prevent myself from then and there clasping my little bird in my arms and pressing its golden head, filled with such bold resolve, to my breast. And there I drew from you the unconscious naive confession that your parents still held the first place in your heart. But you adopted a cold, repellant demeanour, as soon as I attempted to be confidential.
human
It was shyness,—and I am not yet quite sure that to-morrow, when I see your stern face by daylight, I shall not fall into the same embarrassment.
gpt
It will never be stern again, my child; joy has touched it with its gentle finger.