"Mon Dieu!"
"But you yourself dared to declare your love to me."
"But then I did not know who you were, madame; and now that I do know, I humbly ask your pardon."
"Oh!" cried the lady, "say all you think, or I shall regret having come."
Ernanton fell on his knees.
"Speak, madame, speak, that I may be sure this is not all a dream, and perhaps I shall dare to answer."
"So be it. Here are my projects for you," said the lady, gently pushing Ernanton back, while she arranged the folds of her dress; "I fancy you, but I do not yet know you. I am not in the habit of resisting my fancies; but I never commit follies. Had we been equals, I should have received you at my house, and studied you before I hinted at my feelings; but as that was impossible, I was driven to this interview; now you know what to do; be worthy of me, it is all I ask."
Ernanton exhausted himself in protestations.
"Oh! less warmth, M. de Carmainges, I beg; it is not worth while," replied she, carelessly. "Perhaps it was only your name that pleased me; perhaps it is a caprice, and will pass away. However, do not think yourself too far from perfection, and begin to despair. I hate perfect people, but I adore devoted ones; remember that."
Ernanton was beside himself. This haughty language and proud superiority, yet this frank declaration and abandon, terrified and yet delighted him. He seated himself near the proud and beautiful lady, and then tried to pass his arm behind the cushions on which she reclined.