human
Kitty, she began sadly,
gpt
With a quick movement she lifted her head high and her eyes burned into Kitty's very heart.
human
I am--
gpt
Stop! No, no! I forbid you! Kitty put her hands over her ears. She might gain the secret, but she knew that she would lose the heart of the woman it concerned.
human
I am wrong, wrong. I have promised to follow you loyally, without question. I will keep that promise. I am only angry because you would not let me speak to Mr. Hillard. And when he called me by name, it was doubly hard. Had I not seen your hand waving from the doorway, I should have spoken. Who this Italian is I do not care. It is sufficient that you fear him. And I myself harbor no kind feelings toward him, rubbing her bruised wrist.
gpt
And if he comes down one side of the street I shall take to the other, to say nothing of dodging round the nearest corner. But he is very handsome,
human
Are vipers handsome?
gpt
He is strong, too.
human
Strong and cruel as a tiger. How I hate him! But thank you, Kitty, thank you. Sooner or later, if we stay together, I must tell you. The confidence will do me good. Look into my eyes. Kitty approached, and La Signorina drew her close.
gpt
Look in them. They will tell you that I have neither conspired nor plotted, save for my own happiness; that I have wrought harm to no one. But on my side they will tell you that I have been terribly wronged. And all I wish is to be left alone, alone. It was cruel of me to forbid you to speak to Mr. Hillard. But I do not want him tangled up in this miserable, hopeless labyrinth. I wish him to recollect me pleasantly, as a whimsical being who came into his life one night and vanished out of it in two hours.
human
But supposing the memory cuts deeply? ventured Kitty.
gpt
Men fall in love with less excuse than this.
human
He does not even know what I look like; he knows absolutely nothing except the sound of my voice.
gpt
It is all a blind man needs--a voice.
human
Nonsense! La Signorina opened the window to air the room. She lingered, musing.
gpt
You are very good to me, Kitty.
human
I can't help being good to you, you strange, lovely woman! For your sake as well as for mine, I hope my letter from home will be in Venice when we arrive. Now I am going to write a letter.