human
Why do you look at me so? Tell me, what do you think of me?
gpt
I think you are very beautiful,
human
Don't. This is no ball-room interlude, and such a vapid compliment is out of place here. Be frank. Come, tell me.
gpt
Don't, he murmured, repeating her word;
human
I am only human.
gpt
And I am not. Is that it? Well, perhaps you are right.
human
I did not say so. What I meant was, that if you look at me so--
gpt
Spare me! I detest explanations. Do you see that ship? she turned her face to the labouring sloop.
human
It carries many souls--men who have friends waiting for them in some far-off hacienda, gleaming white in the bright sun, wives, mothers, and others as dear, who would grieve were they lost. You know, I had it in my head to sink that ship and all on board. What do you think of me? I would like to know.
gpt
It was a horrible fancy, he said a little sternly;
human
Ah! you do not know me, she whispered, with a shudder;
gpt
I am sometimes afraid of myself.
human
You brood too much over your sorrows. Why not come up here more often and talk with us?
gpt
That is very good of you, she answered demurely, with a swift change of expression;
human
You misunderstand me, he said hastily;
gpt
Yes, yes; how dull you are, Mr Hume!
human
I am sorry you should think so, madam,
gpt
Now go off in a pet, and leave me to my own thoughts, which, of course, are very pleasant company for a lonely girl among a lot of morose and fiery men, who cannot see that the strain upon her is almost too much.
human
Take my arm, Miss Laura, he said gently.
gpt
Let me tell you my story; it may interest you.