human
With these words she went, she almost ran away. Quite a family party! Do you know what I think, Jean? Do you know?
gpt
You must not think that, you must not.
human
Jean, I believe that she loves you.
gpt
And I believe it, too.
human
You, too!
gpt
When I left her, three weeks ago, she was so agitated, so moved! She saw me sad and unhappy, she would not let me go. It was at the door of the castle. I was obliged to tear myself, yes, literally tear myself away. I should have spoken, burst out, told her all. After I had gone a few steps, I stopped and turned. She could no longer see me, I was lost in the darkness; but I could see her. She stood there motionless, her shoulders and arms bare, in the rain, her eyes fixed on the way by which I had gone. Perhaps I am mad to think that. Perhaps it was only a feeling of pity. But no, it was something more than pity, for do you know what she did the next morning? She came at five o'clock, in the most frightful weather, to see me pass with the regiment--and then--the way she bade me adieu--oh, my friend, my dear old friend!
human
But then, said the poor Cure, completely bewildered, completely at a loss,
gpt
But that is, above all, the reason why I must go. If it were only I, if I were certain that she has not perceived my love, certain that she has not been touched by it, I would stay, I would stay--for nothing but for the sweet joy of seeing her, and I would love her from afar, without any hope, for nothing but the happiness of loving her. But no, she has understood too well, and far from discouraging me--that is what forces me to go.
human
No, I do not understand it! I know well, my poor boy, we are speaking of things in which I am no great scholar, but you are both good, young, and charming; you love her, she would love you, and you will not!
gpt
And her money! her money!
human
What matters her money? If it is only that, is it because of her money that you have loved her? It is rather in spite of her money. Your conscience, my son, would be quite at peace with regard to that, and that would suffice.
gpt
No, that would not suffice. To have a good opinion of one's self is not enough; that opinion must be shared by others.
human
Oh, Jean! Among all who know you, who can doubt you?
gpt
Who knows? And then there is another thing besides this question of money, another thing more serious and more grave. I am not the husband suited to her.
human
And who could be more worthy than you?
gpt
The question to be considered is not my worth; we have to consider what she is and what I am, to ask what ought to be her life, and what ought to be my life.