human
And you, my lady--you gained the desire to your heart, wealth, and a title? Let me hope they have made you a happy woman.
gpt
I am not happy!
human
No? But you have been--you were while Sir Noel lived?
gpt
My husband was very good to me, Captain Everard. His death was the greatest misfortune that could have befallen me.
human
But you are young, you are free, you are rich, you are beautiful. You may wear a coronet next time.
gpt
I shall never marry again, Captain Everard.
human
Never? You surprise me! Six years--nay, seven, a widow, and with innumerable attractions. Oh, you cannot mean it!
gpt
It is useless--worse than useless, folly, madness, to lift the veil from the irrevocable past. But don't you think, don't you, Lady Thetford, that you might have been equally happy if you had married _me_?
human
I was madly, insanely, absurdly in love with pretty Ada Vandeleur in those days, and I think I would have made her a good husband; better, however--forgive me--than I ever made my poor dead wife. But you were wise and ambitious, my pretty Ada, and bartered your black eyes and raven ringlets to a higher bidder. You jilted me in cold blood, poor love-sick devil that I was, and reigned resplendent as my Lady Thetford. Ah! you knew how to choose the better part, my pretty Ada!
gpt
Captain Everard, I am sorry for the past--I have atoned, if suffering can atone. Have a little pity, and let me alone!
human
We are both free! Will you marry me now, Ada!
gpt
I cannot!
human
But I love you--I have always loved you. And you--I used to think you loved me!
gpt
I did--I do--I always have! But I cannot marry you. I will love you all my life; but don't, _don't_ ask me to be your wife!
human
As you please! he said, in the same passionless voice.
gpt
I think it is best myself; for the George Everard of to-day is not the George Everard who loved you eight years ago. We would not be happy--I know that. Ada, is that your son?
human
Yes.
gpt
I should like to look at him. Here, my little baronet! I want to see you.