human
Clara, he said, as he led her to a seat,
gpt
I must not for a moment longer allow you to remain in uncertainty, my father, cried Donna Clara.
human
I cannot wed the Count. I dreaded him at first, though, by your desire, I sought to conquer my repugnance; but now--oh! spare me, my father, spare me! retract your stern decree--I never can be his!
gpt
Is such your firm resolve, Clara? asked her father.
human
Remember the alternative.
gpt
It is, my father; for you know him not! she exclaimed, as she cast herself kneeling at his feet, while she clasped his hand and gazed into his countenance.
human
But you will not be so cruel, so unlike yourself, as to compel me to embrace a life for which I have no calling. Father, oh hear me! I love another, fondly, devotedly,--one whom you cannot disapprove,--one who merits your esteem and gratitude. I knew it not before, or I would have told you; I knew not that he loved me; but now that I feel assured of his love, I would not wed another to gain the crown of Portugal! Frown not thus on your child, my father; I have not loved unworthily; he is noble, brave, and good,--he will himself come to urge his suit.
gpt
Who is the person who has dared to win my daughter's affections without my permission? exclaimed the Fidalgo, interrupting her.
human
Speak, child!
gpt
Don Luis d'Almeida,
human
Clara, you have deceived me, said her father.
gpt
Has this conduct been worthy of a high-born maiden, to receive the addresses of one, whoever he may be, without your father's permission? But the crime will bring its own punishment. Yet how can it be so? You could have seen him but once, and how know you that he loves you?
human
I saw him again, here, on the evening when he came to tell me that he had recovered the casket with my mother's jewels; and he promised to return this morning to deliver them,
gpt
I will receive him, and thank him for his courtesy, returned the Fidalgo, coldly.
human
I have nothing for which to blame him; and, under other circumstances, I might have consented to his suit, though his poverty is an objection. But it is now too late; my honour is pledged to the Count, and I must fulfil my contract, provided he is worthy of you; nor has he given me any cause to suppose to the contrary.
gpt
Oh! my father, he is