human
You are not strong enough for this, she answers, wistfully.
gpt
Wait until you are a great deal stronger before you ask questions.
human
But --a bewildered line is knotting the sick man's brow like the faint ripple on the glassy waters of a stream--
gpt
I have seen you before in such different circumstances, and I would like to know where.
human
I am Perdita, you know, with an anxious smile.
gpt
You met me in your delirium often enough, don't you remember?
human
Yes, yes--was that it? When did you find me?
gpt
Three weeks ago. You were in the first stages of yellow fever. You would have died if God had not providentially sent me here in time.
human
So strange that you should risk your life for me--a tender lady.
gpt
It was a pleasure to me, sir. I was not afraid of the risk.
human
The very physicians fled from the smitten wretches by scores, for fear of sharing their fate. We had but few doctors in the city for a fortnight who were brave enough to stay, and we had to take turns and do what we could for each other. The very negroes could not be bought with money to stay with us, but fled, panic-stricken, and left us to die unattended. Nineteen bodies were carried out of this house in one day, and the last I can remember before I crawled into this room away from the groans to die, were the ghastly bodies of poor Major Hilton and the commandant of the forces lying waiting for removal. I held out longest, but had to succumb at last. It is so strange to wake up from death, and to find a lovely lady at my bedside, breathing my poisoned breath, and wooing me from my companions' fate with such devotion.
gpt
A lovely lady!
human
Lovely! Yes, yes; more than lovely--better than beautiful. When I looked up from my dream of death I thought yours the face of an angel. I think so still.
gpt
Hush! hush! If you talk so wildly, dear, I shall think you are wandering again.
human
I am not wandering, my Perdita. If ever I do, your beloved hand has but to touch mine and I will come back. Sometimes I have thought of late----
gpt
Go on, darling. You have thought of late----
human
That you were getting weary of your invalid, and regretting your promise.
gpt
How could you ever think that of me?
human
There. I love to see those gray eyes deepen and flash through generous tears. I will take that back, for I see it is not true.
gpt
Have I ever been forgetful of you?
human
No, no, no. If ever woman had the heart of an angel of mercy, you have one, my Perdita. It was not that you missed one atom of your wonderful care for me, but lately you have been reserved. You have denied me your hand so often to help me back to myself, or your bosom when my head ached; and the sweet words of endearment rarely come from you, except when once or twice you have thought I was sleeping.
gpt
You are getting so well and strong that you do not require such excessive tenderness. It was only while you were helpless as a child that I felt for you as if you were one.
human
You are but a child yourself, my poor, fragile darling; and yet, child as you are, I _do_ require your motherly care, your motherly words of love. I have had them once, and they were so heavenly sweet that I cannot do without them.
gpt
I will be your mother, then, until you can do without me. I shall take care of my child until he is able to take care of himself.
human
Little mother, why do you weep?
gpt
Hush! hush! we have talked long enough; go to sleep.
human
In yours arms, then Perdita.