human
Mons. Lebeau!
gpt
Yes, he replied,
human
But how could you have known? How could you take the place of another?
gpt
That is my secret--at least for the present. It is enough that I have succeeded. One word which has escaped you has led me to believe that you will not blame me for my intervention. I await the assurance with anxiety. Have I been in the wrong to act as I have?
human
No, she answered after a moment's hesitation,
gpt
Good! he said.
human
But what motive has led you astray for the moment?
gpt
Vanity. Lord Mowbray assured me that he wished to make me his wife.
human
His wife! He never dreamed of doing such a thing! Moreover, such a marriage would have been impossible. But let us speak no more about it.
gpt
Are you not going to take me back to my aunt, whom I left in such a ridiculous predicament, and who must be dying with anxiety about me?
human
The predicament of which you speak must have soon terminated; and as for her anxiety, it is my duty not to disturb it for the present. Lord Mowbray has sworn that, by consent or force, he would abduct you this night, and I am not sure that you would be safe in the house in Tothill Fields, where there is no one to defend you, not even your cousin Reuben. These are my humble lodgings, although none of my acquaintances know of its existence nor the way thither. Rest here for a few hours. To-morrow, by daylight, we will consider the situation. Be very sure that Mrs. Marsham will raise no objection, will address you no shadow of reproach. Your fault will not transpire, since I will tell her that it was I who brought you here to save you from the peril which menaced your honor.
gpt
She knows you, then?
human
Very well indeed.
gpt
For some time?
human
For a very long time.
gpt
It was I who brought you, a little child, to her house before you were confided to the care of the Quakeresses at Bristol.
human
Is it possible!
gpt
Then you knew my parents? O, I beseech you, sir, tell me something of my mother! Who was she? Do I resemble her? Where did she die, and how?
human
Patience! he replied.
gpt
Later I will tell you all. Only know that your mother was exceedingly beautiful, and that you are her living image. She too was carried away by excess of emotion and by the thirst of adventure. There was no one at hand to give her timely warning, and she paid dearly for her imprudence.
human
It was then that your father met her and took pity upon her. She was in sore need of pity and protection. Her child was born. You are that child.
gpt
Alas! murmured Esther.
human
But my father--is he still living?
gpt
Yes.
human
Why does he not come? Why does he not show himself? I should be so happy to embrace him!