"Because you asked the question."
"By Heaven! you are right. But with whom?"
"With her who now, on every occasion, uses the oath you have just uttered."
"Ah!" said Coconnas, amazed; "Maître Réné, you are a clever man! Now, La Mole, it is your turn."
La Mole reddened, and seemed embarrassed.
"I, Monsieur Réné," he stammered, and speaking more firmly as he proceeded, "do not care to ask you if I am in love, for I know that I am, and I do not hide it from myself; but tell me, shall I be beloved in return? for, in truth, all that at first seemed propitious now turns against me."
"Perchance you have not done all you should do."
"What is there to do, sir, but to testify, by one's respect and devotion to the lady of one's thoughts, that she is really and profoundly beloved?"
"You know," replied Réné, "that these demonstrations are frequently very meaningless."
"Then must I despair?"