human
What is the matter with my lord?
gpt
Oh! nothing, nothing! he answered.
human
A freak made me run faster than I have run since I was a boy.
gpt
I rejoice to hear it; for I feared you were ill, or that something had alarmed you,
human
Oh no! I am well--perfectly well, exclaimed the Duke, bursting into a wild laugh.
gpt
Ha! ha! What think you of the title of Queen, fair lady? Would it not be a proud thing to be a king, to trample on the neck of that insolent plebeian Carvalho, who now lords it so boldly?
human
He is a bad man, my lord, answered the Duchess, meekly;
gpt
Bad! he is the incarnation of the evil one, cried the Duke, stamping his foot.
human
But you answer not my question. Would you not be a queen, and see your Marquezinho a prince? Ha! then you might be proud indeed!
gpt
I seek not for more than I possess, answered the lady.
human
Oh! my lord, indulge not in such dangerous thoughts: they can but bring destruction on your head. That you do think of them I know too well; for I have of late heard you muttering them in your sleep.
gpt
Then go to bed, and dream of them yourself, fair lady: you will find them pleasant and enticing,
human
It is early, my lord, and the sun has but just set,
gpt
Oh, I forgot--I forgot! exclaimed her husband.
human
No matter, you must keep country hours. It is good for the health: so to bed--to bed, and dream of a royal crown.
gpt
What folly is this? he exclaimed, angrily.
human
I spoke but in jest.--Now, obey me, and to bed!
gpt
That woman is not to be trusted, muttered the Duke, when left alone.
human
She has neither ambition nor courage. It was folly to speak to her on the subject.