human
Fräulein Yolanda's words have given me food for thought, I said.
gpt
So long as Duke Charles lives, there can be no union between Burgundy and Hapsburg; but at the pace he is travelling he will surely receive his _coup de grâce_ before long, and I hope you will meet and know the princess before the tragedy occurs. Then declare yourself and back your claim with the duke's proposal, which has never been withdrawn. That the people of Burgundy hate France and this French marriage there can be no doubt. They are fools for so doing, but we may easily profit by their lack of wisdom. In the event of the duke's death the inclinations of the princess will be half the battle. So long as he lives they are no part of it. If, by the help of Twonette, you should be so fortunate as to meet the princess, our dream may be realized, and our house may become the greatest in Europe.
human
I suppose you are right, Karl, answered Max.
gpt
You are always right; but I have no heart in this matter, and I hope nothing will come of it. I have never known you to be so cold-blooded as in this affair.
human
If you are to be hot-blooded, or even warm-blooded, you must turn your back on your house and cast from you the duties and privileges of your birth,
gpt
You are right, he answered irritably.
human
But it will be difficult for me to please one woman while thinking of another. Ah, Karl, I am growing tired of this Burgundian dream. Dream? It is almost a nightmare.
gpt
Your thoughts of another woman will not stand in your way, I said.
human
Experience is more necessary in dealing with women than in any other of life's affairs, and this episode with Yolanda is what you need to prepare you for--for what I pray you may have to do.
gpt
Karl, please do not talk of this--this--my feeling for Yolanda as an episode, he said, speaking almost angrily.
human
It is a part of my life, and will be my sorrow as long as I live.
gpt
I believe, Max, you speak truly, I said;