human
I shall not come to the bridge again, Fräulein. I'll wait till your uncle returns, when I shall see you at his house. Then I'll say farewell and go back to the hard rocks of my native land--and to a life harder than the rocks.
gpt
You are right in your resolve not to come again to the bridge, said Yolanda,
human
I will go, Fräulein, said Max,
gpt
Perhaps it will be best, but we will determine that when we must--when the time comes that we can put it off no longer. Now, I wish you to grant me three promises, Sir Max. First, ask me no questions concerning myself. Of course, you will ask them of no one else; I need not demand that promise of you.
human
I gladly promise, he answered.
gpt
What I already know of you is all-sufficient.
human
Second, do not fail to come to my uncle's house when he invites you. His home is worthy to receive the grandest prince in the world. My--my lord, Duke Philip the Good, was Uncle Castleman's dear friend. The old duke, when in Peronne, dined once a week with my uncle. Although uncle is a burgher, he could have been noble. He refused a lordship and declined the Order of the Golden Fleece, preferring the freedom of his own caste. I have always thought he acted wisely.
gpt
Indeed he was wise, returned Max.
human
You that have never known the restraints of one born to high estate cannot fully understand how wise he was.
gpt
Ah, yes! For example, there is poor Mary of Burgundy, who is to marry the French Dauphin. I pity her. For all we know, she may be longing for another man as I--I longed for my mastiff, Caesar, when I was away. By the way, Sir Max, are you still wearing the ring? She took his hand and felt for the ring on his finger.
human
Ah, you have left it off,
gpt
Yes, answered Max.
human
There have been so many changes within the last few weeks that I have taken it off, and--and I shall cease to wear it.
gpt
Then give it to me, Sir Max,
human
I may not do that, Fräulein, answered Max.
gpt
It was given to me by one I respect.
human
I know who the lady is,
gpt
Ah, you do? asked Max.
human
Tell me now, my little witch, who is the lady? If you know so much tell me.
gpt
I see an unhappy lady, she said, speaking in a low whisper,
human
How did you learn all this, Fräulein? You are not guessing, as you would have had me believe, and you would not lie to me. What you have just said is a part with what you said at Basel and at Strasburg. How did you learn it, Fräulein?
gpt
Twonette,