human
My God!
gpt
How dare you, you Jezebel? he cried.
human
Down on your knees to that dead man there, you and your cowardly daughter, and pray his forgiveness for the sin that wrecked his life! Vile creature that you are, you would throw him into the street like a dog! No; let him lie there to be buried at my expense. I heard all that was said. I know all your guilty secrets!
gpt
Oh, Vincent, forgive me, forgive me! My temptation was so great!
human
Can one forgive a fiend? he said, sternly.
gpt
I tell you I know all--the plot that broke my Zaidee's heart, and drove her to madness and death--perhaps you murdered her--who knows?
human
No, no--I swear I did not! I am innocent of that charge. She was so young, so jealous, it was easy to drive her mad. But, Vincent, it was for love of you! Can you not forgive so great a love?
gpt
Forgiveness is not possible, he answered, bleakly, and silenced her with a gesture of his hand.
human
Listen, he said, looking her in the face:
gpt
I was not lost at sea when my ship burned. I was cast away on a desert island, where I remained until a few months ago. When I returned I took a fancy to masquerade to see how matters were going. There is no Uncle Ben. I never had a brother, but the disguise has served its purpose. I know you now--you and your scheming daughter. Now listen to your fate. No, do not speak. Hear me out. I will keep the secret of your disgrace; and--you were to have sailed to-morrow--you two--for Europe. Your trunks are packed--your passage taken. You will go, just the same, but you will never return. You have no claim on me. You belong to that dead man there. Go now to your rooms. I wish never to look on your faces again, but the curse of a broken-hearted man will follow you to your grave!
human
I WILL GO TO THE OLD HAUNTED MILL,
gpt
We must love and unlove and forget, dear, Fashion and shatter the spell Of how many a love in a life, dear, Ere we learn to love once and love well.