human
That was Bertha, from the Lodge! cried Miss Mertens, with surprise.
gpt
What can have happened to her?
human
Yes,—what can have happened? repeated Reinhard.
gpt
The young creature was in a state of terrible excitement, and seemed to grow actually furious at sight of you, turning to Elizabeth.
human
Is she related to you?
gpt
No indeed, she replied.
human
She is only distantly connected with my uncle, and I do not even know her. She has avoided me from the beginning most resolutely, although I wished much to be on friendly terms with her. It is clear that she hates me, but I cannot tell why. Of course it troubles me, but her character is not sufficiently pleasing to induce me to attach much importance to her dislike.
gpt
Good Heavens, my child, there is no question of dislike here! The little fury would have gladly torn you to pieces with her teeth.
human
I am not afraid of her,
gpt
But I would advise you to be careful, said Miss Mertens.
human
There was something actually demoniac in her looks. Where could she have been?
gpt
Probably at the castle,
human
I think not, rejoined Miss Mertens.
gpt
Since she has been dumb she has, very strangely, ceased visiting Lindhof. Before then she came every day, attended the Bible Class, and was a great protegée of the baroness, but suddenly it all came to an end, to the surprise of all. Only now and then, in my solitary rambles in the park, I have seen her gliding through the bushes like a snake,—indeed she seems to me to bear an affinity to that reptile.