human
They're very clever.
gpt
Very clever,
human
How do you do?
gpt
Well,
human
Signora Martini told me that she feared you were not very well.
gpt
It's her affection for me, that imagines things. I am quite well. In his tone she could feel nothing more than pity for her.
human
I am only a little nervous.
gpt
It's the weather, the sirocco,
human
Yes, the sirocco,
gpt
You'll be all right when the sun shines,
human
When the sun shines, perhaps,
gpt
It is true, then, that you love me?
human
I should like to know why,
gpt
Yes, why, he went on.
human
You must have a reason. There must be a reason if a woman loves one man and not another. Tell me. Perhaps I have virtues whose existence I have never suspected.
gpt
Forgive me, Anna. But you know it is my bad habit not to take seriously things that appear very serious to others. My raillery hurts you. But some day you must really try to tell me why you care for me.
human
Because you are you,
gpt
That's a very profound reason, he answered smiling.
human
But it would require many hours of meditation to be understood. And, of course, you will always love me?
gpt
Always.
human
May I say something that will pain you?
gpt
Say it,
human
It seems to me, then, that you are slightly changeable. A year ago you thought you loved another, and would love him always. Confess that you have utterly forgotten him. And in another year--what will my place be?
gpt
I have pained you too much. Nothing gives pain like the truth, he said.
human
But there, smile a little. Don't you think smiles are as interesting as tears? You're very lovely when you smile.
gpt
Well, then, this eternal love, he went on,
human
Nothing. I only love you.
gpt
Does that suffice?
human
I must make it suffice.
gpt
You are easily satisfied. Will you always be so modest in your hopes?
human
The future is in the hands of God,
gpt
Ah! that is what I want to talk about--the future. You are hoping something from the future. Otherwise you would not be satisfied. The future, indeed! You are twenty. You have never thought of my age, have you?
human
It doesn't matter. For me you are young.
gpt
And I will come to love you? That is your hope?
human
I have asked for nothing. Don't humiliate me.