human
You will do as I say, Genifrede?
gpt
Moyse, I dare not. No, no, I dare not! If, when we are dead, you should be dead to me too! And how do we know? If, the very next moment, I should see only your dead body with my own--if you should be snatched away somewhere, and I should be alone in some wide place--if I should be doomed to wander in some dreadful region, calling upon you for ever, and no answer! Oh, Moyse! we do not know what fearful things are beyond. I dare not; no, no, I dare not! Do not be angry with me, Moyse!
human
I thought you had been ready to live and die with me.
gpt
And so I am--ready to live anywhere, anyhow--ready to die, if only we could be sure--Oh! if you could only tell me there is nothing beyond--
human
I have little doubt, said Moyse,
gpt
Do you think so? If you could only assure me of that--But, if you were really quite certain of that, would you wish me to die too?
human
Wish it! You must--you shall, cried he, passionately.
gpt
You are mine--mine for ever; and I will not let you go. Do not you see--do not you feel, he said, moderating his tone,
human
said he, producing a small carved ivory ring from his pocket-book,
gpt
This little sign will save you from the anguish of a thousand sleepless nights, from the wretchedness of a thousand days of despair. Take it. If shown at Number 9, in the Rue Espagnole, in my name, you will receive what will suffice for us both. Take it, Genifrede.
human
You do not care for me, said Moyse, bitterly.
gpt
You are like all women. You love in fair weather, and would have us give up everything for you; and when the hurricane comes, you will fly to shelter, and shut out your lover into the storm.
human
If you had remembered, Moyse, what a coward I am, you would have done differently, and not have made me so wretched as I now am. Why did you not bid me bring the red water, without saying what it was, and what for? If you had put it to my lips--if you had not given me a moment to fancy what is to come afterwards, I would have drunk it--oh, so thankfully! But now--I dare not.
gpt
You are not afraid to live without me.
human
Yes, I am. I am afraid of living, of dying--of everything.
gpt
You once asked me about--
human
I remember--about your spirit coming.
gpt
Suppose it should come, angry at your failing me in my last desire?
human
Why did you not kill me? You know I should have been thankful. I wish the roof would fall and bury us now.