human
I have tried to get over it. At first I thought I was succeeding. But no, when the reaction came, I found that I cared more than ever. We were born for each other. It must be so, for without you I am only half alive. I haven't come for your advice, Don, but to make you an offer. Oh, not an offer of myself. I should not dare, as you feel now. And it is not an offer from me only; it is from a great person who has something to give which is worth your accepting, even if my love is not!
gpt
You've got in touch with _him_, have you?
human
Why not? she answered.
gpt
I didn't seek him out. It was he who sought me.
human
You don't know how to speak the truth, Madalena! You said you found me through Lady Annesley-Seton hearing from Mrs. Waldo, whereas you wrote to Paul Van Vreck.
gpt
You do me injustice--always! I _did_ hear from Constance. Then I--merely ventured to write and ask Mr. Van Vreck if he kept up communication with you, and----
human
You said in your letter to him that you knew where I was, and gave him to understand that we were in touch with each other, or he would have let out nothing.
gpt
He has written and told you this!
human
Ah, you give yourself away! No, I haven't heard from Van Vreck since I saw him in New York, and thought I convinced him that my working days for him were over. I simply guessed--knowing you--what you would do.
gpt
I may have mentioned Texas, Madalena admitted.
human
I supposed he knew where you were. I couldn't have told him, because I didn't know. But he wrote and suggested I should use my influence with you to reconsider your decision. Those were his words.
gpt
How much has he paid you for coming here?
human
Nothing. As if I would take money for coming to _you_!
gpt
You have taken it for some queer things, and will again if you don't settle down to private life with your millionaire.... It's no use, Madalena. Go back to San Francisco. Send in your bill to Van Vreck. Tell him there's nothing doing. And make up your mind to marriage.
human
But, Don, you haven't heard what he offers.
gpt
It can't be more than he offered me himself when I saw him in New York----