“Oh! then we are at least half way. And you are a woman that I should adore, if——” He stopped and sighed.
“Well,” said she, “if——”
“If you would permit it.”
“Perhaps I shall, when I shall be independent of your assistance, and you can no longer suspect that I encourage you from interested motives.”
“Then you forbid me to pay my court now?”
“Not at all; but there are other ways besides kneeling and kissing hands.”
“Well, countess, let us hear; what will you permit?”
“All that is compatible with my tastes and duties.”
“Oh, that is vague indeed.”
“Stop! I was going to add—my caprices.”