human
Do I offend? she questioned with a strange, new humility.
gpt
Ah, prithee, why art grown so strange to me?
human
I am as I always was!
gpt
Nay, in my sickness thou wert kind and gentle--
human
So should I have been to any other!
gpt
You builded me my little house?
human
I had naught else to do.
gpt
Martino, said she, sinking on her knees beside me.
human
Oh, _caro mio_, if--if you could kiss me in my sickness when I knew naught of it--wherefore not now when I am all awake and full of life--
gpt
I never did! said I, speaking on rageful impulse
human
If Resolution told you this, he lies!
gpt
And did you not--kiss me in my sickness--once, no?
human
Never once!
gpt
Nay, Joanna, wherefore seek the impossible. In these latter days I have learned to--to respect you--
human
Respect! cried she, clenching her fists,
gpt
Rather give me hate; 'twere easier endured--
human
Why, then, this island is a rendezvous for the Brotherhood, soon will you have friends and comrades; give me then the boat and let me go--
gpt
To seek her? Nay, that you shall never do. I will kill you first, yes--for the cold, passionless thing you are!