human
And yet, how often is it the case, Sarah, not perhaps to the extent carried on by this mistaken girl; but still, the disappointment is as great, although the consequences are not so calamitous. Among the higher classes, how often do young men receive encouragement, and yield themselves up to a passion, to end only in disappointment! It is not necessary to plight troth; a young woman may not have virtually committed herself, and yet, by merely appearing pleased with the conversation and company of a young man, induce him to venture his affections in a treacherous sea, and eventually find them wrecked.
gpt
You are very nautically poetical, Jacob, replied Sarah.
human
Such things do happen; but I think that women's affections are, to use your phrase, oftener wrecked than those of men. That, however, does not exculpate either party. A woman must be blind, indeed, if she cannot perceive, in a very short time, whether she is trifling with a man's feelings, and base, indeed, if she continues to practise upon them.
gpt
Sarah,
human
Well?
gpt
I was, replied I, stammering a little--
human
I was going to ask you if you were blind.
gpt
As to what, Jacob?
human
As to my feelings towards you.
gpt
No; I believe you like me very well,
human
Do you think that that is all?
gpt
Where do you dine to-day, Jacob,
human
That must depend upon you and your answer. If I dine here to-day, I trust to dine here often. If I do not dine here to-day, probably I never may again. I wish to know, Sarah, whether you have been blind to my feelings towards you; for, with the case of Mary and Tom before me, I feel that I must no longer trust to my own hopes, which may end in disappointment. Will you have the kindness to put me out of my misery?
gpt
If I have been blind to your feelings I have not been blind to your merit, Jacob. Perhaps I have not been blind to your feelings, and I am not of the same disposition as Mary Stapleton. I think you may venture to dine here to-day,
human
I can hardly believe that I'm to be so happy, Sarah, replied I, agitated.
gpt
I have been fortunate, very fortunate; but the hopes you have now raised are so much beyond my expectations--so much beyond my deserts--that I dare not indulge in them. Have pity on me, and be more explicit.
human
What do you wish me to say?
gpt
That you will not reject the orphan who was fostered by your father, and who reminds you of what he was, that you may not forget at this moment what I trust is the greatest bar to his presumption--his humble origin.
human
Jacob, that was said like yourself--it was nobly said; and if you were not born noble, you have true nobility of mind. I will imitate your example. Have I not often, during our long friendship, told you that I loved you?
gpt
Yes, as a child you did, Sarah.
human
Then, as a woman, I repeat it. And now are you satisfied?
gpt
But your father and mother, Sarah?
human
Would never have allowed our intimacy if they had not approved of it, Jacob, depend upon it. However, you may make yourself easy on that score by letting them know what has passed; and then, I presume, you will be out of your misery.
gpt
for he shook me by the hand, and said,
human
You have made us all very happy, Jacob; for that girl appears determined either to marry you or not to marry at all. Come; dinner is ready.