human
We are glad you came in time, observed Eros at last.
gpt
We should never have got married, I believe, if you had not been here to tie the knot.
human
At least, added Psyche, in her clear, subdued voice,
gpt
she continued, turning to the guest, and half-timidly meeting his strong, unfathomable eyes with her own,
human
I am alive--am I not? answered the guest, with a particularly radiant smile;
gpt
It would not be merry Christmas if you were not!
human
I am not always so well received, the other resumed.
gpt
I have been in all sorts of places, and have met all sorts of people, and almost all have called me abrupt and unceremonious. But then, not many know me for what I really am.
human
I think I know you, said Psyche, after a pause;
gpt
You need not fear to know me, Psyche, returned the guest, with grave gentleness;
human
Yes, I know that; but for my part I think I can tell what I need more quickly and surely than most people. For instance--that Psyche must be my wife, and that you must make her so.
gpt
You rate my powers too high, rejoined their friend, smiling again.
human
God only can make a man and woman one.
gpt
Oh, I don't trouble myself with such fine-drawn distinctions. If you pronounce the service over us, I will take the rest for granted. As I was telling Psyche the other day, it's not worth while looking beyond this world. If she is mine here, I'll risk our getting separated hereafter.
human
Hereafter may not be far off, said the guest, more gravely than he had yet spoken.
gpt
You were best not to leave it out of the account.
human
Death is my enemy--I can see no good in him! declared Eros;
gpt
He doesn't mean it! exclaimed Psyche to their friend, in a low, appealing tone.
human
He knows that only Death can make Love immortal.
gpt
I must tell you, observed the guest, after a pause,
human
To-night!
gpt
I wished to make you happy--happier than you have ever been--if you would let me, resumed the previous speaker.
human
Whoever has lofty beliefs will have a lofty fate. If your idea of marriage is high enough, you will not hesitate to come with me to my Paradise. How is it with you, Eros?
gpt
Not yet, replied Eros, laughing and shaking his head.
human
It's too far off, and the journey is too cold. If you are really determined to leave us, you must go without me. Surely you can't expect me to be ready to start at such short notice? No, no! I mean to stay by this comfortable fireside for a long time yet, and so shall Psyche.
gpt
Death has summoned men on shorter notice than this, said the other.
human
Think again before you decide.
gpt
I have decided; and I never change my mind,