human
But I must part you, said Elinor, smiling;
gpt
Ah, madame, if you knew of what she reminds me!
human
But if I may take you to be the hero of an interesting anecdote that I have by no means forgotten, I can easily guess--
gpt
Well, yes, madame, it was I, and though she has betrayed and cast me off, after apparently choosing me, I have remained in spite of myself faithful to her memory, ever regretting a shadow, and pursuing a vain chimera, unable to die, or to live happy any longer.
human
Then, she said timidly,
gpt
I scarcely know if I do, if I am weak enough to love her still; but our meetings, the moments spent in her presence, her grace, even her capriciousness,--all are graven on my memory. She has bruised my soul, and taken the glamour from life for me.
human
Oh, cried Elinor in a heartbroken voice,
gpt
Never! For three years that proud, unfeeling woman has never condescended to send me as much as a word of remembrance. She has probably gone back to her own land, to India, America, or where not. She has triumphed, and must be laughing at my credulity, and I should like to forget her. Lately I have almost thought it might be possible, and perhaps, indeed, he added, in an altered voice,
human
I shall succeed only too soon.
gpt
You will forget her, Léon?
human
Ah, madame, he said, after a moment's pause,
gpt
And her mother--close beside me--loving--
human
These recollections only sadden you, and do you no good at all, said Elinor, shaking all over, and picking up her child.
gpt
Decidedly, I shall have to part you.
human
Forgive me, madame; I have been dreaming. But why wake me so soon?