human
I am nothing of a fatalist, said Mr. Aubrey, after a considerable pause, during which they had quitted the Castle-gates, and his feelings had recovered from the shock which they had just before suffered;--
gpt
I am nothing of a fatalist, but I ought not to feel the least surprise at this issue, for I have long had a settled conviction that such _would_ be the issue. For some time before I had the least intimation of the commencement of these proceedings, I was oppressed by a sense of impending calamity
human
Well, that may be so; but it does not follow that the mischief is finally _done_.
gpt
I am certain of it!--But, dear Lord De la Zouch, how much I owe to your kindness and sympathy!
human
We are at this moment, Aubrey, firmer friends than we ever were before. So help me Heaven! I would not lose your friendship for the world; I feel it a greater honor than I am worthy of--I do, indeed,
gpt
There's a great gulf between us, though, Lord De la Zouch, as far as worldly circumstances are concerned--you a peer of the realm, I a beggar!
human
Forgive me, Aubrey, but it is idle to talk in that way; I am hurt beyond measure at your supposing it possible that under any circumstances
gpt
Believe me, I feel the full value of your friendship--more valuable at this moment than ever!
human
That a serious calamity has fallen upon you is certain;--which of us, indeed, is safe from such a calamity? But who would bear it with the calm fortitude which _you_ have already evinced, my dear Aubrey?
gpt
You speak very kindly, Lord De la Zouch; I trust I shall play the man, now that the time for playing a man's part has come, said Mr. Aubrey, with an air of mingled melancholy and resolution.
human
I feel an inexpressible consolation in the reflection, that I cannot charge myself with anything unconscientious; and, as for the future, I put my trust in God. I feel as if I could submit to the will of Heaven with cheerfulness
gpt
Don't speak so despondingly, Aubrey
human
Despondingly? echoed Mr. Aubrey, with momentary animation--
gpt
Despondingly? My dear friend, I feel as if I were indeed entering a scene black as midnight--but what is it to the _valley of the shadow of death_, dear Lord De la Zouch, which is before all of us, and at but a little distance! I assure you I feel no vain-glorious confidence; yet I seem to be leaning on the arm of an unseen but all-powerful supporter!
human
You are a hero, my dear Aubrey!
gpt
And that support will embrace those dearer to me than life--dearer--far--far