“I am lost!”
“You draw back?”
“No,” said the cardinal, “I do not.”
“Well, then, I want a proof.”
“Speak.”
“I want to go to the ball at the Opera.”
“Well, countess, that only concerns yourself. Are you not free as air to go where you wish?”
“Ah, but you have not heard all. I want you to go with me.”
“I to the Opera, countess!” said he, with a start of horror.
“See already how much your desire to please me is worth.”