human
You, Wilfrid, seem like a visitor from the other world--the world which nowadays exists only in my dreams, she said, throwing her head lazily back and blowing a cloud of smoke from her pursed-up lips.
gpt
As I sit here alone hour after hour, I wonder how it is that I have lived the life I have. Our foibles and follies and false appearances are, after all, wretchedly insincere, and surely the enemies of a smart woman are the bitterest in the world. Cynthia taught me to believe that our set was the world, but I now know different, for I see that there is happiness, yes, far greater happiness in the poor struggling homes about me here than in our own world of pleasure. Happiness? she repeated to herself, looking blankly across the room and sighing,
human
I wonder if I shall ever know what real happiness means?
gpt
I hope so, I exclaimed quickly.
human
Surely there is no reason why you should be unhappy. You are young, wealthy, courted, flattered, and one of the best-looking women in London. You are well aware of that, Tibbie.
gpt
Aware of it! she exclaimed hoarsely, in a low, broken voice.
human
Everyone tells me so. Yes, she added bitterly,
gpt
I have everything except the one thing debarred me--happiness.
human
And why not that?
gpt
Can one be happy if one does not possess peace of mind? That, alas! I do not possess.
human
Because you hold a secret, I remarked slowly, looking into her eyes as they suddenly met mine.
gpt
Will you never reveal it to me, Tibbie? I asked.
human
I could surely assist you.
gpt
No. The error is mine, and I must bear the punishment. Ah! she cried, suddenly starting up, placing both palms to her brow, and pacing up and down the little room.
human
Ah! you don't know what I suffer. Day and night I sit here and think and think, and wonder, and fear. Yes! she cried, her eyes starting as she glared at me in her desperation.
gpt
I fear! I fear lest I may be discovered by those enemies who have sworn to effect my ruin! But--but you will save me, Wilfrid, she gasped, suddenly advancing, turning her white face to mine, and clutching my hand.
human
You will protect me from them, won't you?
gpt
Of course,
human
But who are these enemies of whom you are in such fear? Tell me, and I may then act accordingly. Surely it is only just that I should be aware of their identity?
gpt
No. I--I--I mean I can't explain. If I did, I should lose even you, Wilfrid--the only true friend I have in the whole world.