human
Miss Jane, you make me very happy, he said.
gpt
Can I not now speak with your father?
human
No, I would prefer to tell him myself, she replied hastily.
gpt
I have one condition to impose, and you must yield to it, Mr. Alison; I cannot become your betrothed at my father's death-bed; I cannot and will not deprive him of one of those hours the new relation might demand. Therefore let the words you have just spoken to me remain secret, at least to all but those immediately concerned. Until you return, demand from me none of the rights my answer gives you; I cannot and will not now grant them.
human
This is a hard condition, Jane! You will permit me to delay my departure, and remain by your side, if, as I fear, the inevitable stroke is close at hand?
gpt
I thank you, but I need no support. What is before me --here for the first time during the interview the young girl's lips quivered--
human
I shall know how to bear, and I can bear it best alone. I would not have you delay your departure one hour, or hasten your return one week. In a year we shall meet again; until then my promise must content you, as yours does me.