human
Let me go--let me go! she pleaded piteously.
gpt
Oh, what have we done?
human
We have sealed our fate, said he, with a haggard look.
gpt
I have fought against this for many a day; but now, Coquette, won't you look up and give me one kiss before we part?
human
I cannot speak to you now. To-morrow, or next day--perhaps we shall meet.
gpt
I wonder, said Earlshope,
human
And if that will make him happy, she said slowly and with absent eyes,
gpt
I will do that if he demands it.
human
You will marry him, and make him fancy that you love him?
gpt
No, I should tell him everything. I should tell him he deserves to marry a woman who has never loved anyone but himself, and yet that I will be his wife if his marrying me will alone make him happy.
human
But, Coquette--don't you see it cannot end here? he said almost desperately.
gpt
You do not know the chains in which I am bound; and I dare not tell you.
human
No; I do not wish to know. It is enough for me to be beside you now, and if it should all prove bad and sorrowful, I shall remember that once I walked with you here, and we had no thought of ill, and were for a little while happy.
gpt
Coquette! Coquette! Coquette!
human
Coquette, he said suddenly,
gpt
Oh, do not say any more. I will do anything for you, but not that--not that. And then, a moment afterwards, she added:
human
Or see; I will promise to marry you, if you like, after many, many years--only not now--not within a few years.
gpt
What is the matter, Coquette? Does it grieve you to think of what I ask?
human
No, no! she said, hurriedly,
gpt
If you only knew how proud and happy you have made me! exclaimed Tom, gaily.
human
I call upon the leaves of the trees, and all the drops in the river, and all the light in the air to bear witness that I have won Coquette for my wife.
gpt
Ah, you foolish boy! she said sadly.
human
You have given me a dangerous name. But no matter; if it pleases you to-day to think I shall be your wife, I am glad.