book_id
stringlengths 2
6
| title
stringclasses 1
value | author
stringclasses 1
value | conversations
listlengths 1
5.07k
|
|---|---|---|---|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Farewell! farewell!"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He is the best of fellows, and has proved that he is really my friend, he thought."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I could not, of course, accept a loan from him again, aside from the fact that this sum is far beyond his means; but I will, at all events, ask his advice. One's own perceptions become clearer when one has talked matters over with a sensible man."
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Cursed scribblings!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why, that is Eichhof, he thought;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Suddenly the thought flashed upon him,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This is the view from Thea's bow-window. How did Werner come by it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good heavens, 'tis Thea herself! he exclaimed involuntarily, as he held the last of them in his hand."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The resemblance is so striking that it can be seen at a glance. Well, there's surely no reason why I should not look closely at the picture of my sister-in-law. I did not know that Werner was such an artist, and still less was I aware that Thea had been sitting to him. A charming study of a head. I really should like to know when and where it was drawn. I thought he never went to Eichhof without me; but he always vexed me with his want of frankness. Who knows what he has been about while he has been pretending to study---- Ah! As he threw the sheet upon the table it turned upon its face, and upon the other side was written the refrain of a song,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fair Marjory, that Thea often sung:"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Be still, my heart, be still."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He loves her,--she has been sitting to him! Bernhard has neglected her, and Werner has consoled her, while I, fool, double-dyed fool that I am, suspected nothing! Night and day I have thought of her, and never dared, not even to myself, to call what I felt for her by its right name! And now I know that Bernhard is faithless to her, that Werner is false, and that she, indeed, is no saint! Was I not half mad for her sake yesterday when Hohenstein went on telling such fine stories of Bernhard, my worthy brother? Did I not try to drive away with wine and cards the thoughts that would haunt me? and at that very time perhaps Werner was with her. Oh, if it were not so horrible it would be ridiculous,--a silly, ridiculous farce----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Has the Herr Lieutenant any orders?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Where is your master?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Herr Lieutenant has ridden over to Eichhof. He left word that he should be gone some time, as he meant to go farther still."
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Herr Lieutenant rode away more than two hours ago,"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Has Alma been here all day long?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What is the matter, Lothar? she asked, alarmed by his expression and his strange conduct."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you want with Alma?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why did she hurry away as though there was some mystery to conceal?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good heavens! she went to lay aside her wraps. I had detained her here to read a letter."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A letter? What letter?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was nothing, she said;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But that is not what I would ask, he said, retreating a step or two without turning his eyes from her face."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I pray you tell me,--how long have you been receiving Werner's visits,--how long have you known that he loves you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Lothar! she almost screamed, involuntarily steadying herself by the table as if she needed a support; every trace of colour faded from her face, and she muttered beneath her breath,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He is mad!"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Answer me, Thea! for God's sake answer me! he implored her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Tell me it was all a phantom of my disordered fancy. I know that Werner was here alone to-day,--that he has taken your picture, that he loves you; but tell me that you are innocent, and I will believe it. Only speak, speak! I implore you!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You are ill, Lothar, she said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Werner going away! I knew nothing of it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His orders arrived only last evening. You were still sleeping this morning when he called for you. And now go to your room and lie down: your eyes show that you have fever. I will send a servant to you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Forgive me, Thea, he begged."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have suffered so much!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You are still suffering, for you are ill."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, no! I am well enough, only--but I will not speak of myself. Thea, tell me one thing, are you happy? Does Bernhard write often, and are his letters what they should be?"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, I see,--you know it all! They have written you all about it from Berlin, have they not?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hush! she said, imperatively, her face dyed with a burning blush."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How dare you touch upon that subject?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Oh, it is just that which drove me mad,--which made me dream what I said of Werner possible, Lothar exclaimed, passionately."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I knew how unhappy you must be. I hate Bernhard for it, but I hated Werner still more, because I thought that in your misery you----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Forgive me! forgive me! My sin is my excuse; for I love you, Thea, I love you! more--far more--than all the rest!"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No; the Countess's kindness is unnecessary, he said, when the explanation of the scene dawned upon him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am no longer giddy, and I can ride home."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Farewell, my dear Alma,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Are you going away?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Going away? No--that is--yes--perhaps so. At all events, I bid you farewell."
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Farewell,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How selfish I am! she thought."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I stand dreaming here, thinking of all kinds of impossible misfortunes, while Thea is alone. Ah, we have enough real sorrow to bear! There is no need to invent fancied woes."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, her own heart answered,"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let me tell Thea that for at least a year she ought never even to condescend to look at that husband of hers, she wrote upon the last page,"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "P. S. the second. _À propos_, yesterday I met Walter in the street, and I stopped him and asked him to come and see us. Do you know what his reply was? 'I am very sorry, Fräulein von Hohenstein' (that is what he called me), 'that my studies leave me no time for visiting.' What do you think of that? Just like men in general, and the Eichhofs in particular."
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If this is all true, he does not deserve that I should weep for him, she said, aloud."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, he does not deserve it,"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do not speak,"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Who is there?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Herr Lieutenant von Werner begs----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lieutenant Werner,--how, so late? Alma repeated, and her slight figure trembled as she added, beneath her breath,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That means misfortune."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What, what is coming now? she thought."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Show Herr von Werner up! she said, in a sharp tone of command very unlike her. But Herr von Werner had followed close upon the footman's heels, and stood at the door. Alma could not utter a word; she only gazed anxiously into his pale face, and steadied herself by an arm-chair as though she were afraid of falling. Thea went firmly to meet him. She had never borne herself so proudly, her dark eyes had never been so haughty and cold, as, without seeming to notice Werner's agitation, she asked, calmly,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What brings you to us so late, Herr von Werner? It must be something very unusual."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, madame, it is so, and very sad."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lothar!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Tell me. I need no preparation; I am prepared,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Your brother-in-law met with an accident in riding home from Eichhof, and is severely injured."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Was he thrown? Is his life in danger?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "His condition leaves little room for hope. He was not thrown,--an accident, probably the result of carelessness----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He is dead! he has shot himself!"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dead,--shot,"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I instantly telegraphed to your brother-in-law, Werner said to Alma,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I only reached home at dusk, and I saw a light in Eichhof's room. It therefore surprised me to find it locked, and to receive no answer to my call when I had knocked at the door in vain. I was about to descend the staircase, when I met Eichhof's servant, who, in reply to my questions with regard to his master, told me that the Herr Lieutenant had returned from Eichhof half an hour previously, and had seemed very unwell; that he had sent him ten minutes before to the apothecary's for some soothing draught, which he was just taking to him. Why the door should be locked he could not possibly comprehend. We tried again to open it, and finally broke it open. He sat upon the sofa, his head lying on the table before him. As I raised him up, the revolver fell on the floor. Death must have been instantaneous."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He probably intended to clean the revolver. I feel convinced the pistol was discharged through carelessness, for--for--there were materials for cleaning it lying upon the table."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you know why he shot himself?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is not impossible that it was an accident, madame."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "That you do not believe, she said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You know of no reason for this deed?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He was ill, and perhaps a momentary insanity----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, a momentary insanity. And you think my husband will come to-morrow?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am sure of it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Can anything be done to-night?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nothing by you, madame."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Well, then farewell, Herr von Werner. It is best you should return to town."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In fact, I still have much to arrange there."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lothar was really like an own brother to her; the shock and her great suffering have thus changed her,"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is the member of the Reichstag your son-in-law's neighbour?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes; Rollin is in the midst of a very aristocratic neighbourhood, was the reply."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good heavens, the Barons von Hohenstein have lived upon the estate for hundreds of years, and all the neighbours are old noble families,--my daughter's surroundings will be really 'feudal.' It is well to give one's children an education that fits them for any rank in life. Only a few days ago Count Dornat said to me, 'Your daughter, the Baroness von Hohenstein, is a charming woman.' And my son-in-law is delightful. Indeed, my dear, it is really a model marriage. Between ourselves, many an aristocratic family might take example by it,--these Eichhofs, for instance."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is it possible, Frau Kohnheim, that the Eichhofs----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes; I was at Rollin a couple of weeks ago with a Berlin upholsterer to see to the furnishing there, and the housekeeper from Eichhof was paying a visit to our housekeeper,--I mean to my son-in-law's housekeeper,--and I learned all about it from her. The young Countess at the castle was an innocent young creature at first, but she has grown to be very different, especially since her husband has been away. Only fancy such a young woman's giving entertainments to which the young men for miles around are invited, while a young unmarried brother-in-law of the Countess plays the part of host! And he is in garrison only half a mile from Eichhof, and of course is there constantly. So there you have a young man and a young woman alone together in the country in a big castle, and you may imagine what it must lead to!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Good heavens! how can the Count be so thoughtless as to allow it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How indeed? Of course the young brother-in-law is over head and ears in love. The housekeeper, who seems to be a very sensible person, has often watched him. He never takes his eyes off the Countess, and, naturally enough, she is not blind to the attractions of a handsome young officer. There they sit in the conservatory talking together, or they take long walks arm-in-arm, and the housekeeper----"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Infernal old women's gossip! he thought, flushing angrily."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Contemptible lies!--Lothar to----"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He had been to Eichhof just before?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And you never spoke with him afterward?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No; none of his comrades saw him. His servant was the only one who did so, and he says that Eichhof was very unwell. The calamity occurred almost immediately after his return."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Immediately after his return----"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Frau Countess is not well,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Is my wife ill?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nothing serious at present, the old man replied."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Countess Eichhof cannot for the moment sustain the terrible nervous shock. I have ordered perfect rest,--her best medicine next to your arrival, my dear Count. A sad time, indeed. Your brother was never ill in his life, and now----"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "This is a sad meeting, dear heart,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My poor, poor Thea!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It will pass, she said, turning from him to draw a shawl over her shoulders."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Never mind me. Have you seen him,--I mean Lothar?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes; he looks perfectly unchanged. I shall have him brought here to-day."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Leave me! leave me! she cried."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, my God!"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You know why Lothar shot himself?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He lost a large sum at play last night, Bernhard continued."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you believe that that was why he shot himself? Do you believe it? Can it be?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No! I see you do not believe it, and I--neither do I believe it!"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I must speak with you, Thea, before I leave for Berlin. I have a question to put to you."
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Go on,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What occurred between yourself and Lothar?"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You certainly have no right to ask that question. You less than all others."
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Bernhard!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Past and gone!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Past and gone! a voice muttered in Bernhard's heart. Of what avail was it that she wrung her hands, and that he, in his room, hid his face and wished himself dead in Lothar's place rather than live through all this? The doors between the husband and wife were closed, and neither could overcome self so far as to open them and cry out to the other,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I love you,--I love you in spite of everything!"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Bernhard Eichhof."
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah, how I thank you, Dr. Nordstedt! If I only had some way in which to show you how grateful I am!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Such moments are the bright spots in a physician's life, Fräulein von Rosen, and they atone for many a gloomy day."
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Good gracious, Fräulein dear, you are in pitch darkness! she exclaimed, putting the candle on the table,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Indeed I have, Marianne, Alma replied, half turning round."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My mother is asleep, and I came here to get a little fresh air."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, yes, you ought to have more fresh air, Fräulein dear; the Herr Doctor always says you ought to walk in the garden every day. The Herr Doctor is not at all pleased to see you grow so pale here. He looks at you,--yes, just as he always does at people with whom he is not satisfied, and for whom he would like to prescribe. No offence, Fräulein, but he does; such a sad look, and yet so kind. Good gracious! I know the look well enough. And he has, perhaps, a particular reason for it in your case."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Indeed? How so?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah, you see, 'tis a long story. You look like somebody,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Indeed?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Somebody who is dead; of course it was a woman, Marianne chattered on."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She had braids just like yours. Now your hair is down, I can see that she had the very same. And she had blue eyes, too, and was so like you in some way, I cannot exactly tell how; but as soon as you came you reminded me of her, and our doctor saw it too,--I knew that in a moment, for I know him well."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, and who was this other?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And only think, Fräulein dear, the woman had once been so rich that she did not know what to do with her money, and--but this is a secret; I only happen to know it because my husband, who is dead, was once a footman in her house. Only since you look so like her I'll tell it to you. Well, our doctor loved this woman dearly when she was a girl. But he was very young, and the girl's parents, and the girl herself, perhaps, thought he was not rich enough for her. At all events, she wouldn't marry him, and that's the only reason why he has never married, although now he might choose a wife where he would and thank you, too. But he cannot forget his Hedwig. And when he found her so sick and miserable, and got me to nurse her, and then at last when she died, any one could see how fond he was of her. Our doctor is an angel to all sick people, but then--then he was something more."
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, yes, Fräulein dear, the best of men must have trials. Well, good-night."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Poor man!"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Fräulein Alma would like to see your study,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You have seen it already, Fräulein von Rosen. It is the little room I showed you where I performed my first successful operation. When one wishes to work, any decoration around one has a disturbing influence, I think; and then, too, I like old places, and so I stayed there with my books."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For the first time I cannot agree with you, cried Adela."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Whoever has any taste for the beautiful must like to see it around him."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You are right, he rejoined;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But, lest the ladies should think you a scorner of the beautiful, you must open your music-room for us,"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, the requirements of art differ from those of labour, said Nordstedt."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Art gives beauty and must have beauty."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you love music?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Dearly!"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That song is one of my favourites. It is so fervent, and yet so sad. It sounds as if one were thinking of some one loved and lost----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Why, you can do everything! You give me an entirely different idea of doctors from any I have ever had before!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It has given me great pleasure to see you again. He replied only by a low, formal bow. He wandered about the loneliest streets on this evening until ten o'clock, and at last closed his door behind him and threw himself upon his lounge, saying,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And yet I wish I had not seen her again!"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But, papa, what are you thinking of? He never will come,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What a pity it is that Thea has not yet come home! said Alma."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She would be so much pleased with Dr. Nordstedt, and he would like her so much."
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We are thought to be people of very advanced ideas, mamma. Do you not think we should justify the opinion entertained of us if we chanced some day to marry our daughter to a man of the people?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It seems to me, she replied,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Aha! Then, in principle, you would not be opposed to such a match? Of course, I am only discussing such things in general."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "In general, then, I have no objection to the bourgeoisie, although I once thought I could favour none save sons-in-law of rank. But what is the use of growing older if one grows no wiser?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alma certainly never would have been happy with Lothar Eichhof."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you think Thea is happy?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah! her letters have struck you too?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not only that, but she has now been three months away from Eichhof. It was all very well for her to go to the baths, but to visit my sister afterward and stay there so long,--I cannot understand it. Mountain air is good for the child, she says. Possibly; but Eichhof air would be equally good for him. And we so seldom see anything of Bernhard----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Bernhard has a great deal to do at present."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah, my dear, I can easily see that you do not believe that to be the only reason. I often lie awake thinking of it all. I cannot comprehend it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Wait until Thea comes home. She is a clever woman, and she loves Bernhard; she will make matters all right again. You remember how she behaved about his agricultural interests. At all events, we must know nothing until we are told. Not even a parent should interfere between man and wife."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But yet it is hard, she rejoined;"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is very charming here, Adela wrote."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My plants and my animals flourish finely. Papa is contented, and we love each other dearly. But--you see there is a but--it is very quiet. The people about us are strangers to us, and those whom we know are far away. I go to walk just when you do, but I am quite alone. Since my Fidèle died I have not even a dog, for the one I have now is too stupid to care to go with me. While I walk, papa writes his book, which, however, between ourselves, will not come to anything, because poor papa has forgotten so much. But it gives him pleasure, and so I let him believe that it will be good, and go to walk alone. And sometimes I am quite low in my mind and could envy you your guests. Not Walter, of course, but Dr. Nordstedt is so nice; and even Walter is a human being, and an old acquaintance besides. Papa, too, thinks--but then he had better write you himself what he thinks. I only want to tell you that I am no longer so seriously angry with Walter as I told you I was in Berlin. I have been thinking about it since I have been so much alone, and I have reflected that it is folly to be angry with any one for as long as I have been vexed with Walter. To be sure, you do not know the cause I had for anger, and I certainly had good cause; but nevertheless I am angry with him no longer, and he need not refuse papa's invitation on my account. You may tell him so."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Baron Hohenstein has written to me, Dr. Nordstedt, asking whether you and Walter will not stop and pay him a little visit on your way home. He says he has received so much hospitality in your house that he should like to requite it. You will go directly past his retreat, and----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't decide against this plan; I have something to tell you from Adela,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am no longer angry with you only because pride and mortification kept her from saying,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do not be angry with me any longer"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "When the pond was drained a ring was found, said Hugo,--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think your sister, Fräulein Adela, used to wear that ring. If I am not mistaken, there is a date engraved upon it,--the date of your parents' betrothal----Ah! there it is: 'August 28, 1830.' Does that coincide with your knowledge on the subject?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "To be sure! I never thought of that. Really, it is remarkable how stupid everything is when one comes to investigate it. Some interest attached to the ring so long as no one knew how it came in the pond. But now that we know all about it, it turns out to be perfectly commonplace."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Would you like to see my collection of weapons? he asked, after a while."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have some rare pieces. He opened a cabinet and displayed its contents to his guests."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "They really are fine, are they not? he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am thinking now of making an Egyptian collection. I intend going to Egypt; it is a fearful bore to stay at home forever."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah! said Herr von Rosen."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What does your lady wife say to that?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "he said,"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He is going to Egypt and she to France, Herr von Rosen thought,"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I will go find Fräulein Alma; the evening is damp, she may take cold."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, then, come,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Let me go alone; I have something to say to Fräulein Alma."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nordstedt, is it possible?"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Much is possible, my dear fellow; nothing is certain!"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I know that you suffer, and I suffer with you."
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Where are you going, Count Eichhof? exclaimed Julutta."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My husband is at R----, and it is so insufferably warm in-doors that I have taken refuge here by the pond. If you will come and drive away the gnats with a cigar I shall be grateful to you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Tell them to bring us some fruit and wine from the castle,"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is charming here, he said;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Only favoured wanderers,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I thank you, gentle fairy, Bernhard said, earnestly. She blushed and looked away from him towards the water. For an instant he gazed at her admiringly, and then, as if forcing himself to look at something else, he took up a little book lying on a rustic table. He read the title-page,--"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Pages from the Life of a Good-for-Nothing, by Eichendorff."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah, have you been reading this midsummer night's dream of Eichendorff's on this sultry summer day?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And why not? she said, with a gentle dreamy expression in her eyes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Do you think, because I have known more than most women of the stern realities of life, that I must have lost all sense of its poetry?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, assuredly not; but I thought you too much of a critic to enjoy the story, which, charming as it is, is so absolutely impossible that you must admit that it is thoroughly unreal and unnatural."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But, good heavens! there are moods in which one longs for just that. A day like this in a lonely forest--for this park is really only a forest--makes one dream; and why should one not indulge in this charming midsummer dream, and for an hour believe that, even in this mortal life, everything may be delightful? Reality will teach us soon enough that it is not so."
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You have been dreaming, then, to-day?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes; shall you laugh at me for doing so?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "On the contrary, I envy you. I have had to write such dreadfully long and tiresome letters at home."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you never dream?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "They say a man should never dream."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah, 'they say' so much, 'they' are so wise; but folly is not to be easily banished from the world. I even maintain that every man of sensibility and imagination has often found himself dreaming of some foolish happiness."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why of a foolish happiness?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Because happiness can hardly ever stand the test of critical reason, but depends upon imagination, which is often folly. And what is happiness, after all? A moment, an intoxication, a dream,--and yet we all long for it."
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I sometimes think, Julutta continued, eagerly,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There is method in your dreaming at least,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Laugh if you will, she said;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Possibly; but many would be miserably unhappy in longing for this blessed island all through the rest of the year."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, no. Children at school are not made unhappy by thoughts of their holidays; they are refreshed and strengthened for their studies by them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Here comes our 'Little table spread thee,' she said, going to the rustic table, upon which the servant arranged decanters, wine-glasses, and fragrant fruit."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come, said Julutta."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There are those who maintain that wine can conduct to the Island of the Blest. She handed him a sparkling glass and laughed."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Which only means that we are too sensible to be happy; for common sense must be thrown overboard before we can land upon my Island of the Blest."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "To the Island of the Blest!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A greeting from the Island of the Blest!"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Of what are you thinking?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What folly I have been talking! she said, hastily arising."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Come, let us go to the house. My husband will soon return, and we can receive him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your husband? Oh, if Wronsky has gone to the circuit court at R----, he cannot be back again for two or three hours at least. It is so lovely here, why not stay?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why? she repeated, and her eyes grew tender and yearning again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Well, then let us stay,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You are strangely agitated to-day, he said, standing close beside her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "May I not, as your friend, know----?"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is lightning!"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What is the matter?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nothing, she said;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What, tears! he exclaimed, in alarm."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You have a sorrow that you are hiding from me! Am I no longer worthy of your confidence? What have I done?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Nothing, nothing! she said again."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You are the best, the noblest of men, and I--but I pray you, I entreat you, ask me nothing further!"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I wish I had _never_ returned from the ocean that night at Trouville, Julutta whispered;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Julutta!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The waters have closed over our Island of the Blest forever,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Bernhard!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Julutta!"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The thunder-storm is upon us! she called, and the next instant had vanished behind the rocks. At such a moment she could laugh and remember the storm! To him it seemed a matter of course that the tempest should come: the wind and storm suited his mood. He did not think of seeking shelter, but through the increasing hurly-burly the conviction flashed upon him, vivid as the glare of the lightning,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Your conduct and your love are alike disgraceful!"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am a guest in Marzell Wronsky's house, and Julutta is his wife, he murmured, and again he shuddered."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Julutta is his wife,"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am delighted to have come just in time to catch you, said Wronsky."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Now we shall have a charming evening together. But where in the world is my wife?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then you must be wet, too! exclaimed Marzell, feeling the sleeve of his friend's coat."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Of course, drenched to the skin! And you were going to drive home in this condition, as if there were no dry things to be had here! I am, to be sure, rather stouter than you, and not quite so tall, but that's no matter. Come with me to my dressing-room. What were you about, to think of driving two miles to Eichhof in your wet clothes! You ought to have known that my entire wardrobe is at your service."
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am glad you happened to come to-day, said Marzell,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "If it would not bore you, Count Eichhof. Her eyes had an arch sparkle in them, and there was a bewitching smile upon her lips, as, with one hand on her husband's shoulder, she extended the other to her guest, and said, with significant emphasis,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "At last--at last my haughty Count is as wax in my hands, for I know now that he loves me. I could have trodden him in the dust at my feet to-day; but no, my triumph, my revenge, shall be prolonged! I will exult for a while longer in the consciousness that he loves me and suffers on my account. My heart throbs fast at the thought. I scarcely know sometimes whether it is hate or love with which he inspires me. Love? Can I love? No; the tempest of my life has left me no heart that can love. And yet I find a strange discord in my mind. There is no need to put a force upon myself to treat him with gentleness and affection. If this means love, I have used it to minister to my hatred, for it has helped me to acquire a mastery over him. Yes, I have gained this mastery, and I shall know how to use it. I will listen to the confession of his love from his own proud lips that I may spurn him from me with contempt. And have I not just cause to hate him thus? Did he not trample beneath his feet the last remnant of my better self,--my pride? My pride was still mine. It drove me to leave Herr von Möhâzy when I learned his treachery; it caused me to accept the hand of a country squire, but a man of honour, and thus to prove to myself and the world that I was not the outcast I was inclined to believe myself. And he--he, when I was more unfortunate than guilty, condemned me as utterly base, without even hearing me! Oh, I have suffered too deeply from this man's scorn ever to forget it! I resolved to requite him for this scorn. I would compel him to love me,--me, upon whom he looked down so proudly from the heights of his virtue; me, the wife of his friend. It was a bold scheme, but it has been successful. My meeting Möhâzy and the Count's interference was a tie established between us. Then, when Möhâzy left Berlin, I told my husband the story of my youth. I knew I could do it with safety, that his affection would find excuses for me. He did so, and I thus destroyed the only weapon which Bernhard Eichhof could turn against me. But will Wronsky find excuses for this man,--this model of a haughty, virtuous aristocrat, who, in spite of his virtue, loves the wife of his friend? All his pride, all his virtue, I now hold like some toy in my hand. If I choose, I can toss it at his feet; and I will so choose. He will come and help me to complete my retribution. I know what men are."
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, women, women!"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I will not dwell upon the reason for those false smiles and glances to-day, he said to himself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I will act the part of an honest man, and put an end to the whole affair. I did not know myself, and I will be upon my guard. Never talk to me again of friendship between man and woman."
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She writes as if her coming to Eichhof needed an excuse!"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "That is ended and done with,"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Papa, papa, it is Walter Eichhof!"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have a letter for you,"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He has come! he has come! she thought, exultantly. Then she opened Alma's letter to glance through it, but the first lines arrested her attention. What was it? These were strange tidings indeed! This grave Dr. Nordstedt, for whom Adela entertained an immense respect, loved Alma Rosen, and had asked her to be his wife. Alma wrote,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Can you believe, dearest Adela, that he loves me? I seem to myself so little and silly that it is incredible to me; but it must be true, for he says so, and it makes me so proud and happy that I could shout for joy. But, when I think of one who is gone, I no longer rejoice. And so I have begged Friedrich--you know his name is Friedrich--to be only my friend for the present, and I have told him why I ask this. And he--oh, he is the best and noblest man living!--he says he loves me the more for it, and will wait until I summon him. I have told him that you are my dearest friend, and that I should write all this to you, that you may not treat him like a stranger."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Alma Nordstedt, Frau Dr. Nordstedt, she whispered, shaking her head;"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Imagine it a greeting from Alma,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I thank you,"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You gave me no rose to-day,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "From whom did you desire a greeting?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No one sends me any, and I expect none. But I have brought you something that looks like a greeting from the past. Will you not receive it as such?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "My ring! How strange! exclaimed Adela. But she did not take it. She dropped the hand she had extended towards it, and said, half turning away her head,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The ring does not belong to me. I gave it away."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You know I cannot keep it?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But I wish you to keep it."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Adela, do you remember all I told you then?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "My plans and views are nowise altered; on the contrary, I am more than ever devoted to the profession I have chosen."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes, I know it, she said;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Adela, can you tell me that and yet wish me to keep this ring?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Stay, Herr Doctor _in spe_; if I _do_ refuse to take back the ring, there is no need for such conduct on your part as we remember on a former occasion."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Dearest Adela, I entreat you not to trifle with me. This moment must decide our future, and if you deceive me now----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Good heavens, Walter! I am not deceiving you; I have grown older, and perhaps a little wiser, but for all that I am only sixteen years old, and you are still a student, and papa cannot spare me, and you must work very hard, and--no, stay where you are, please--what I wanted to say to you was that I thought it terrible that we should both go through the world so angry with each other, and I could not bear it, and so I begged papa to ask you here."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Stand still there, and I will tell you something. There was a young officer in Berlin who wanted me to marry him----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Adela!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Hush! Yes, he wanted me to marry him, and I refused point-blank."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Adela!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Stand still, Walter, or I will leave you. I told him that at present I would betroth myself to no one, but that when I was eighteen, if any one should woo me, I never would marry an officer or a lawyer, for that I had decided if I ever married that it should be a doctor!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Adela! dearest Adela!"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She was pure as a lily when she came to me, he said to himself."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Could I not have shielded her from every possible danger? Did I not know Lothar? Did I not know that he was as thoughtless as he was susceptible? Why did I look so far abroad and shut my eyes to what was nearest me? I built castles in the air for the future, and lost the ground beneath my feet. But then--Thea was my wife, Lothar was my brother,--how could I think---- Oh, it is hard, fearfully hard!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, Herr Count; Madame the Countess arrived at Eichhof yesterday."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And the child is well?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Beg pardon, Herr Count, he said,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Not well; what do you mean? The child is not seriously ill?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Beg pardon, Herr Count, but the child is very ill. Just before the despatch came from Berlin ordering the carriage, Madame the Countess telegraphed to the Herr Count----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And you have never told me until now?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Beg pardon, Herr Count; and added,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Madame the Countess thought that the Herr Count would have left Berlin before her despatch could reach him, and she was afraid that the Herr Count might be anxious, and so she told me to say nothing unless the Herr Count inquired. And I did just as Madame the Countess ordered."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Drive on!"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What are you about, Hadasch? he suddenly exclaimed to the coachman."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Drive as fast as you possibly can----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Beg pardon, Herr Count,"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What a delightful encounter! cried Frau von Wronsky, and her eyes were more eloquent than any words."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I hope your business matters are concluded, or rather I know they are, and that you have had much that was most annoying to endure."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You know----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes; I have heard it all in my letters from Berlin, and naturally I have sympathized with you from my heart. Your home must indemnify you, my dear Count, for all that you have suffered abroad. She leaned forward and looked him full in the face as she spoke."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I trust you will soon come to Paniênka, that we may discuss it all together."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You are very kind, but I have just heard that my boy is very ill, and----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, has your wife returned? Happy man! I am still alone; my husband is away for an indefinite time----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I am extremely anxious with regard to my boy; he seems to be dangerously ill."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If the sick-room should be too confining for you, I pray you to remember the rocks about the lake in the park at Paniênka. My remembrances to your charming wife. I hope soon to hear from you."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I certainly will send you word with regard to the child's condition,"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "How is the child? he asked of the footman who instantly appeared. The man shook his head."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The doctor is up-stairs, Herr Count; I am afraid he is no better."
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Is it all over?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Human means were of no avail. He died of convulsions."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And my wife?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It is only a fainting-fit; but Countess Thea is terribly distressed."
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is best to let her have her way,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Thea! he whispered. She waved him off, and he left the room silently with the others. He saw that she was determined to allow him no share in her grief."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "And yet this grief is the only, the last bond between us,"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I am come to remind you of that letter,--of the letter in which you expressed your views of our relation to each other. Our child is dead---- Her voice was choked for an instant, but she went on:"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "There is nothing now to unite us. I propose going to Schönthal to-morrow."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Can you not stay, then?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "No, she cried,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I will not be endured out of pity!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Pity? he repeated."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What do you mean, Thea?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I mean that you are sorry for me, that you think it will be hard for me to leave the place where my child lies in his grave, the house in which he was born. But I have borne heavier griefs, and I can bear that too; and, although I know that your happiness does not depend alone upon _your_ freedom, I am too proud to remain where I am only endured!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "For God's sake, Thea, tell me what you mean,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "This is perhaps the last time that we shall stand thus face to face,--our last conversation. Thea, will you not answer truly and frankly one question?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have always been true,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Tell me, then, do you believe the cause that separates us to exist in me? Do you believe that I desire our separation? and is there no reason _known only to yourself_, no memory in _your_ soul, to keep us asunder?"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have no such memory, said Thea, helplessly dropping her clasped hands before her."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Nothing in this world except yourself could ever separate me from you. I thought----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Thea! my own Thea! what useless misery we have caused each other!"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And do you still love me, then?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "More deeply and truly than on our marriage-day,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And Julutta Wronsky----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah, dearest child, let me tell you all. I will confess everything to you,--all the doubts that have so tortured me."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Doubts?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, my darling; foolish doubts. I know them to be so now, but they were terrible. Do you remember refusing me any explanation with regard to Lothar? Then I----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah, poor Lothar! I, too, have something to tell you, Bernhard."
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We have both been blind, she said;"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And how blest we are once more,--each living in the other's heart!"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, why is our child not with us?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "He has been our guardian angel, my darling, he said."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He has reunited us; for who can say how long we should have been estranged from each other without this sorrow?"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Strangers, all strangers! he murmurs."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "How changed it is! The same place, and yet so different; and no one here to recognize me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If I am not mistaken, chance has led two old acquaintances into the same railway-carriage. Are you not Herr Superintendent Bergmann from Eichhof?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Most certainly; and I think I call to mind----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah! laughed the stranger,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I see you do not know who I am. The sun on the Bulgarian battlefields has tanned me past recognition. Do you not remember Lieutenant Werner, Lothar Eichhof's comrade?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Ah! Lieutenant Werner, forgive me. But you are Colonel Werner now, I hear, with a breast covered with orders. The newspapers have kept us advised with regard to you. How much my Count will be interested to hear of this meeting! We have all rejoiced in your advancement."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Advancements are for the most part the work of chance, he said;"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Admirably; as it must, I think, where an honest man does his duty, and Count Bernhard is a fine fellow and does his duty well,--sometimes, we think, rather exceeds it. I always said, when people used to shake their heads at him, 'He is young; only wait, and you'll see he'll come all right.' And now he has come all right. Since he ceased to look abroad for a sphere of action, and made up his mind to do what lay nearest to him, he has enjoyed his work. You ought to pay us a visit and see how well everything goes on. His people would go through fire and water to serve him."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And his wife? How is the Countess?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, you ought to see her! She grows younger and prettier every year. One need only look in her eyes to see how happy she is, when she walks through fields and gardens on her husband's arm, with their two fine boys playing about them. And our youngest--the little Countess Thea--is a perfect rosebud. Yes, laugh,--I confess to a weakness for these children; they are like grandchildren to me. Have I not had Count Bernhard in my arms when he was no older than they?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Three children, have they? It is really strange to hear of such a happy household, with the thunder of trumpets and cannon scarcely out of one's ears. Well, perhaps I will come to Eichhof in the autumn. I should have liked to stop there to-day, but I have urgent business in Berlin."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Why, then, you can hunt up the Count. He is there now."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah! I had forgotten the Reichstag."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "No, he is no longer a member of the Reichstag. He has so much practical work to attend to that he has no time for theorizing, even politically; but he is there to attend a family festival,--the christening of the first boy of Walter Eichhof, our youngest."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Ah! is he married?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes; to the love of his boyhood, the daughter of the old Freiherr von Hohenstein."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Had he not some idea formerly of becoming a physician?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He is a physician, and a fine one, I can tell you. Our Count was in a terrible way about it at first, but Countess Thea insisted that the boy was right, and the brothers were reconciled when Walter was betrothed. He undertook the management of Dr. Nordstedt's large infirmary when Nordstedt was called to a professor's chair in Strasburg. You know, I suppose, that Fräulein Alma, our Countess's sister, is married to Professor Nordstedt?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I think I heard of that before I left Germany. I certainly must look up my old acquaintances. This vagabond life makes one a terrible stranger in his home."
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "What a wonder life is! he muses, as the train speeds on."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "But it all amounts to the fact that if you would be happy--and who would not?--you must do what is right."
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "From the lowest soldier to the highest officer, from the servant to the master, there is not a character in any of Captain King's novels that is not wholly in keeping with expressed sentiments. There is not a movement made on the field, not a break from the ranks, not an offence against the military code of discipline, and hardly a heart-beat that escapes his watchfulness."
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Sorrows of Satan,"
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "There is very little in common between this story and 'Barabbas.' In 'The Sorrows of Satan' Miss Corelli wields a much more vigorous pen. She is full of her purpose. Dear me, how she scathes English society! She exposes the low life of nigh life with a ruthless pen. The sins of the fashionable world made even Satan sad; they were more than he could bear, poor man! The book is lively reading, and will be read in England with an eager curiosity."
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A book which aroused in some quarters more violent hostility than any book of recent years. By most secular critics the authoress was accused of bad taste, bad art, and gross blasphemy; but, in curious contrast, most religious papers acknowledged the reverence of treatment and the dignity of conception which characterized the work."
}
]
|
35311 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It is a thrilling and irresistibly charming book."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The story is Italian, the time 1884, and the precise stage of the acts, Naples, during the last visitation of the cholera. A romance, but a romance of reality. No mind of man can imagine incidents so wonderful, so amazing as those of actual occurrence. While the story is exciting, and must be read through when once begun, it furnishes a vivid and impressive picture of Italian life and morals."
}
]
|
261024 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Buffalo Bill, the King of Border Men."
}
]
|
688940 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh! Miss Ellie wrung her hands,"
}
]
|
589226 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "War in the East"
}
]
|
239340 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The porter told me it was the _Golden Lion_ conveyance,"
}
]
|
403292 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You look as if you were disappointed,"
}
]
|
29753 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He was very diplomatic in his undertaking"
}
]
|
29753 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "He was very diplomatic in his undertaking Frontispiece FACING PAGE"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "The Gorgeous Girl had never known anything but the most gorgeous side of life 12"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It was with a charming timidity that she tip-toed into the office 188"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "A get-rich-quick man always pays for his own speed"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Before long two bank accounts will beat as one, Trudy said to Mary Faithful."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Tra-la-la-la-la,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Sh-h-h! Mr. O'Valley has just opened his door."
}
]
|
29753 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Yes, Mr. O'Valley, I understand what to do. I arranged the New Haven sale this morning. You were at the jewellery store to see about Miss Constantine's ring. So I long-distanced Martin & Newman and put it through. If the ring is sent in your absence I know what you have ordered and can return it if it does not comply with instructions--platinum set with diamonds, three large stones of a carat each and the twenty smaller stones surrounding them. And a king's-blue velvet case with her initials in platinum. And you want me to discharge Dundee and divide up his work. Yes, I gave the janitor the gold piece for finding your pet cane. I'll wire you every day."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I ran away from work to play with you, Gorgeous Girl! See how you demoralize me? Even your father frowned when I said I was coming. How are you, darling? I don't give a hang if I make poor Miss Faithful run the shop for a year as long as you want me to play with you."
}
]
|
29753 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's mother's house, and all she has."
}
]
|
29753 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If a man won't work he should not eat,"
}
]
|
29753 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "She'll spend her life loving Steve O'Valley and slaving for him, Trudy had confided to her dozen intimate friends, who never repeated anything told them."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "And he will spend his life being trampled on by Beatrice Constantine, and after they are married she will be meaner than ever to him. But he will love her all the more. Honest, business men make the grandest husbands! College professors are lots harder to get along with--but business men are as cross as two sticks in their offices and at home they're so sweet it would melt pig iron."
}
]
|
29753 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I've been waiting for these,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "It's so grand out to-day--look at that sunshine! May's the hardest month of the year to work; you just can't help planning your summer clothes."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Miss Constantine is coming to call for Mr. O'Valley and I want his O. K. on those before he gets away."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Listen, don't you think the diamonds he is buying her are vulgar? A bunch of electric bulbs is what I call it, I certainly would not permit----"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Are they going to be married at high noon in church?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Yes--June the first."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Lucky girl! She's older than me; everyone says so. It's only her money and clothes that has built her up. I don't think she's so much. Her nose is as flat as a pancake and she rouges something fierce. I saw them at the theatre and I certainly was----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Moving Man, Don't Take My Baby Grand"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I cannot pay out someone else's money for work that is not done."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Don't get a grouch on; it will spread through the whole plant. When you're cross everybody's cross."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Then do your work--for it isn't much. She could not help adding:"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You think I can smooth over everything just because you board with me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "It's the wedding in the air, and spring, and those diamonds! She never works, she never does anything but spend the money we make for her. All she has is a good time, and what's the use of living if you don't have a good time? I'll have it if I have to steal it. Oh, you needn't look so horrified. Steve O'Valley almost stole his fortune just because he had to be a rich man before Constantine would let him marry his daughter. Anyway, I'd rather have a good time for a few years and then die than to live to be a hundred and never have an honest-to-goodness party. Wouldn't you?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You're foolish to-day. If you only wouldn't wear such low-cut waists and talk to the men! Mr. O'Valley has noticed it."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I can get another job and another boarding house,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "You wouldn't last out at either. You need this sort of a place and our sort of house, you ridiculous little thing. Besides, you have Gaylord at your beck and call --Trudy blushed--"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Finish it--than you were at thirteen! Well, what of it? I'm out for a good time and you are always talking about the right time, I suppose. I'll take your lecture without weeping and promise to reform. But don't be surprised at anything I may do regarding tra-la-la-la-la."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Miss Constantine is downstairs, I'm going to escort her up,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Perfectly awful old place, Stevuns--as bad as papa's. I hate business offices; make my head ache. It was Red Cross to-day, and after that I had to rush to cooking school----"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll have to talk to Miss Faithful for half a jiffy and then I'm free for the rest of the day----"
}
]
|
29753 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm getting Miss Faithful ready to run the shop single-handed,"
}
]
|
29753 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "The Gorgeous Girl had never known anything but the most gorgeous side of life"
}
]
|
29753 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "But I'm poor. I'm not in a position to meet your friends."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Then be rich--and I'll ask you again,"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "If I were a rich man--would you let me try?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "See if I wouldn't."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I have loved your daughter ever since I first saw her. I'm as poor as you were once, but if I see my way to making a fortune and can give her everything she ought to have will you oppose my efforts to make her marry me?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Do you want a loan, O'Valley? I think you'll make good. Then it's up to my daughter; she knows whom she wants to marry better than I do. You're a decent sort--her mother would have liked you."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I don't want a loan just yet. I want to make her marry me because I have made my own money and can take care of my own wife. I'm just asking you not to interfere if I do win out. I've saved a little--I'm going to take a plunge in stocks and draw out before it's too late. Then I'm going into business if I can; but I'll have to try my luck gambling before I do. When I hang out my shingle I may ask you to help--a little. Self-made men of to-day are made on paper--not by splitting logs or teaching school in the backwoods in order to buy a dictionary and law books--we haven't the time for that. So I'll take my chances and you'll hear from me later."
}
]
|
29753 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "A fool's luck first then the war made him--the government contracts, you know. He's only succeeded because of luck and the fact of it's being the psychological moment. Worked in the ordnance game--didn't see active service--money just kept rolling in. Well, who wants a war fortune? Some folks in 1860 bought government mules for limousine prices and sold them for the same. Besides, it's only so he can marry the Gorgeous Girl. I guess he'll find out it was cheap at half the price!"
}
]
|
29753 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I still love your daughter, sir, and I've made my fortune. We want to be married. Your blessing, please. And to himself:"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'll show the worst side of me to the world so wolves won't come and steal my precious gold that I had to have in order to win her; and I'll show my best side to the woman I love, and that's fair enough!"
}
]
|
29753 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Don't tell Miss Faithful any more, Beatrice protested."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "I'm sure she knows about everything, and it's late--I'm tired."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "All right, lady fair. That's all, Miss Faithful. Good-night,"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "What did you do at cooking school?"
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "We made pistachio fondant; and next week it will be Scotch broth. It takes an hour to assemble the vegetables and I dread it. Only half the class were there, the rest were at Miss Harper's classical-dancing lesson. That's fun, too. I think I'll take it up next year. I was just thinking how glad I am papa built the big apartment house five years ago; it's so much nicer to begin housekeeping there instead of a big place of one's own. It's such work to have a house on your hands. Are you ready?"
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Hold on. Don't I deserve a single kiss?... Thank you, Mrs. O'Valley."
}
]
|
29753 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Oh, dear, it's Sunday again, she began."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Goodness me, Mary, I'd hate to be as good as you are--always up and smiling! Why don't you have a permanent smile put on your face? It would be lots easier."
}
]
|
29753 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mary, Trudy wants her coffee. Hot cakes? Oh, pshaw, they won't hurt you a mite. I was raised on 'em. I guess I'll have another plateful, Mary, while you're frying 'em. I'm so comfortable I hate to get up.... You poor little girls having to go out and hustle all week long and not half appreciated! Never mind, some Prince Charming will come and carry you off sometime."
}
]
|
29753 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "Mary takes after her pa, poor child, she had told Trudy confidentially."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Lean and lank as a clothes pole! And those gray eyes that look you straight through. I wish she didn't think so much of the office and would get a nice young man. I'd like to know what it is in those books she finds so fascinating. Can you tell me? I tried to read Omar Canine myself but it was too much for me."
},
{
"from": "human",
"value": "I'm no highbrow, Trudy had laughed."
},
{
"from": "gpt",
"value": "Mary is; and a fine girl, besides,"
}
]
|
29753 | Unknown Title | Unknown Author | [
{
"from": "human",
"value": "You clumsy, thin business woman--the idea of halfway dreaming that such a man as Steve would ever love you! Of course he's intended for the Gorgeous Girl; the very law of opposites makes him care for her--pretty, useless doll. So take your joy in being his business partner, because the Gorgeous Girl can never share the partnership any more than you could share his name; and there's a heap of comfort in being of some use."
}
]
|
Subsets and Splits
No community queries yet
The top public SQL queries from the community will appear here once available.