human
Oh, yes! he admitted, humbly.
gpt
She is very good. I should never have thought it. She is every inch a princess and duchess. It's splendid. But the ten millions: gone, an illusion!... But tell me: how well you're looking! Each time I see you, you've grown lovelier and lovelier. Do you know that you're a very lovely woman? You must be very happy, I'm certain! You're an exceptional woman, I always said so. I don't understand you.... May I speak frankly? Are we good friends, you and I? I don't understand. I think what you have done such a terrible thing. I have never heard of anything like it in our world.
human
I don't live in your world, prince.
gpt
Very well, but all the same your world must have much the same ideas about it. And the calmness, the pride, the happiness with which you do, just quietly, as you please! I think it perfectly awful. I stand aghast at it.... And yet ... it's a pity. People in my world are very easy-going. But that sort of thing is not allowed!
human
Prince, once more, I have no world. My world is my own sphere.
gpt
I don't understand that. Tell me, how am I to tell Urania? For I should think it delightful if you would come and stay at San Stefano. Oh, do come, do: come to keep us company. I entreat you. Be charitable, do a good work.... But first tell me, how shall I tell Urania?
human
What?
gpt
What they told me in the Via dei Serpenti, that your address was now Signor van der Staal's studio, Via del Babuino.
human
It is too difficult for you to tell her, she replied, a little condescendingly.
gpt
I will myself write to Urania and explain my conduct.
human
That's delightful, capital! And ... will you come to San Stefano?
gpt
No, I can't really.
human
Why not?
gpt
I can no longer move in the circle in which you live, after my change of address,
human
Listen, he said.
gpt
You know our Roman society. So long as certain conventions are observed ... everything's permitted.
human
Exactly; but it's just those conventions which I don't observe.
gpt
And that's where you are wrong. Believe me, I am saying it as your friend.
human
I live according to my own laws and I don't want to move in your world.
gpt
Yes, yes, I know. You are a 'new woman.' You have your own laws. But I beseech you, take pity on me. Be an angel of mercy and come to San Stefano.
human
Prince, even if it agreed with the conventions of your world ... even then I shouldn't wish to. For I will not leave Van der Staal.
gpt
You come first and let him come a little later. Urania will be glad to have his advice on some artistic questions, concerning the 'doing up' of San Stefano. We have a lot of pictures there. And old things generally. Do let's arrange that. I am going to San Stefano to-morrow. Urania will follow me in a week. I will suggest to her to ask you down soon.
human
Really, prince ... it can't happen just yet.
gpt
Why not?
human
Shall I be candid with you?
gpt
But of course!
human
Well, then, she said,