human
Listen, Giustino. Before we fly let me make one last attempt. You have spoken to Cesare Dias; you have told him that you love me, that I adore you; but he didn't believe you----
gpt
It is true. He smiled incredulously.
human
He is a man who has seen a great deal of the world, who has been loved, who has loved; but of all that nothing is left to him. He is cold and solitary. He never speaks of his scepticism, but he believes in nothing. He's a miserable, arid creature. I know that he despises me, thinking me silly and enthusiastic. I pity him as I pity every one who has no love in his heart. And yet--I will speak to Cesare Dias. The truth will well up from me with such impetus that he cannot refuse to believe me. I'll tell him everything. In spite of his forty years, in spite of the corruption of his mind, in spite of all his scorn, all his irony, true love will find convincing words. He'll give his consent.
gpt
Can't you first persuade your sister? There we'd have an affectionate ally,
human
My sister is worse than Cesare Dias, she answered, with a slight tremor of the voice;
gpt
I should never dare to depend on her.
human
You are afraid of her?
gpt
Pray don't speak of her, don't speak of her. It's a subject which pains me.
human
And yet----
gpt
No, no. Laura knows nothing; she must know nothing; it would be dreadful if she knew. I'd a thousand times rather speak to him. He will remember his past; Laura has no past--she has nothing--she's a dead soul. I will speak with him; he will believe me.
human
And if he shouldn't believe you?
gpt
He _will_ believe me.
human
But, Anna, Anna, if he shouldn't?
gpt
Then--we will elope. But I ought to make this last attempt. Heaven will give me strength. Afterwards--I will write to you, I will tell you everything. I daren't come here any more. It's too dangerous. If any one should see me it would be the ruin of all our hopes. I'll write to you. You'll arrange your own affairs in the meantime--as if you were at the point of death, as if you were going to leave this country never to return. You must be ready at any instant.
human
I'll be ready.
gpt
Surely?
human
Surely.
gpt
Without a regret?
human
Without a regret.
gpt
Thank you; you love me. We shall be so happy! You will see. Happier than any one in the world!
human
So happy!
gpt
And may Heaven help us,