human
You see, my very dearest, she said, in that soft voice of hers, which always stirred his senses,
gpt
And better for you too?
human
No, no, no! You know, just for myself, there would be nothing in the world better for me than to marry you, she returned passionately.
gpt
Everest, there is no need for me to tell you that, surely? You must see how it all appears to me.... You are so wonderful, so exceptional!... I feel you ought to have the very best and loveliest woman who ever existed....
human
Have I not got her here? returned Everest, with equal passion, leaning over her, and kissing her on the mouth and eyes, so that she could neither breathe nor see.
gpt
You try to make me the most conceited man in the world, but I have sense enough left to know I am not half worthy of you.
human
Listen, she whispered,
gpt
I want you to listen to me. I have just this one quality that is good: I love you so intensely, so absorbingly, that myself is nothing to me beside you. It is very difficult to put the absolute extremes of emotion into words, but I love you so much that when I think of you my own life, my own happiness means nothing to me, beside yours. You must be happy, that's all that matters. Nothing else is of any account at all. If I can in any way make you happy that would be my greatest delight, as it has been already; but I am not sure I should be really doing that by marrying you, and until I am sure, I won't do it. I am after all only a country rector's daughter, without any special birth, position or beauty.... No--hush, she said, putting her hand over his mouth, as he tried to interrupt her.
human
I am only beautiful just now, because I am young and in love with you--blazing with love for you in every vein. That fire lights up my eyes and paints my cheeks and lips, and makes me look beautiful, but that is your gift, she interrupted herself passionately, kissing him on his black hair, above the ear,
gpt
Do you think that I could do that now, after yesterday? Marry another woman and put her in the place that belongs to you? I feel now I shall never care to take another woman in my arms again. You were so sweet to me, so unquestioning, so trusting, and I acted so badly, I shall never forgive myself! It is not you that tie me, my own action binds me.
human
Whatever obligation there was, if there were any, she said in a low tone,
gpt
she repeated, with hot kisses on his hand at each word,
human
There must be many days like yesterday, and you can give me something else, which no other woman can, when we are married, for we will marry whatever you say.
gpt
What could I give you?
human
A son, returned Everest, kissing her questioning lips,
gpt
Anything done for you would be my greatest, my supreme delight! Do you wish for children, Everest?
human
No, not personally, but there is the property. I must have a legitimate son or let it all go to my brother. I should hate to have a weak, mindless, feeble child, which could never happen if Regina were its mother! So if, when my visit here ends, I go away to Scotland for some weeks, as I must do to look after my place, when I come back, you will marry me, will you not?
gpt
If you wish it--yes,
human
The suffering, the sacrifices, the danger of maternity, that does not frighten you?
gpt
No, I am not afraid of anything, Everest.