human
I wish an explanation from you, Lieutenant Fernow, which you cannot well deny me. Almost an hour ago you had an interview in this room with Miss Forest.
gpt
Yes; and were you a witness of it?
human
I was!
gpt
Then you must have heard what was said.
human
You spoke German with her, the beloved mother-tongue! And so the confessions of your love and tenderness were debarred from me. But one name, I heard. It sounded very sweet, that 'Johanna,' almost as sweet as the 'Walter' from her lips!
gpt
I believe you had a question to ask me, Mr. Alison, he said.
human
Let us stick to our subject!
gpt
Yes, let us stick to our subject! replied Alison, in a hollow voice.
human
You love Miss Forest!
gpt
Yes!
human
And are loved in return?
gpt
Yes!
human
I regret that I must disturb this perfect understanding. Perhaps Miss Forest has already told you that I have prior rights, and am not inclined to resign them to you.
gpt
She has told me!
human
Well, then, you must understand that if the hand of Miss Forest is pledged to me, I will tolerate no love in her to any one but her future husband; at least to no _living_ man!
gpt
Does that mean a challenge?
human
Yes; do not start back, Lieutenant Fernow, I waive all your German proprieties as to witnesses, seconds and preliminaries, I offer you a far simpler method. We will draw lots, or throw dice, we two alone, and fortune shall decide. The losing one shall pledge his word of honor not to be among the living twenty-four hours after, and the thing is done.
gpt
I regret, Mr. Alison, that this sort of satisfaction does not accord with my ideas of honor. If we must be arrayed against each other, let it be in the orthodox way, eye to eye with weapon in hand. I would fight for my life; not cast lots for it.
human
It certainly may not be so poetical as your German duel, but it is more--sure!
gpt
But I will not consent. And besides you seem to forget that such a thing is not to be thought of while I belong to the army. My life is not my own, it is my country's. I must not deprive my fatherland of one even the least of its defenders, and while the war lasts, I must neither seek nor yield to private revenge. If I fall, your wish will be gratified; if not, after peace is declared, I am ready to give you the required satisfaction--not before!
human
After the peace! Perhaps when you have returned to your professor's chair, when rector and regent, when in case of need the whole university covers you with the ægis of science; when all rise in moral exasperation against a barbarism of the middle ages, least of all befitting a teacher of youth. Then at last, impelled by these higher considerations, you will decline! It is a masterly idea, Lieutenant Fernow! But I am not simple enough to fall into the snare you set for me!
gpt
How many of the battles in which I have fought, have you gazed at through a spy-glass?
human
Let us end this! he said savagely.
gpt
I offer you one more choice. Give me this night the satisfaction I demand either in my way or in yours. I am ready for all, or--
human
Or what?
gpt
The consequences be upon your own head!
human
It cannot possibly happen tonight, as I shall not be here. I must go to the mountains-- A wild, terrible gleam shot suddenly from Alison's eyes; he bent forward and listened, intent and breathless, to what followed--