human
It has all been a horrible mistake, she said slowly.
gpt
I thought I was stronger. I did believe that I could hold him, Miss Gannion. I didn't rush into it carelessly, as most girls do. I knew all the danger. I thought about it, and measured it against my strength and against the strength of his love. I truly thought I could hold him.
human
I know, dear, Miss Gannion said gently.
gpt
I thought so, too.
human
But I couldn't. I did try, try my best. But it was no use. And yet, he did love me, just as I did love him.
gpt
Did love?
human
Yes, did love. My love is dead, Miss Gannion.
gpt
But it may come back.
human
Never. It never can. He has killed it utterly. I am sorry. I don't know why I am telling you, for no one else must know it, not even Sidney himself. He doesn't suspect it at all now, and I mean that he never shall. If I made the mistake in the first place, I ought to be the one to suffer for it, not he.
gpt
But he loves you now,
human
To-day. Yesterday, he forgot me entirely; to-day, he cares for me just as he always has done, no more, no less. I wish I could care for him; but I can't. I feel perfectly cold, as if nothing more could ever warm me.
gpt
But, in time--after you have forgotten last night--
human
My love for Sidney did not die, last night. It was too strong, too much alive, to be killed by the facts of one single night. No; it had been ailing for months; but it finally died, six weeks ago, and nothing now can ever make it live again. Miss Gannion, I have been very selfish.
gpt
I don't think so, Beatrix.