"Very well, then, do not tease me again as you did this morning. I should not have strength enough to defend myself, and ... and I am happy as I am; I love de Vigny and he worships me. You know there are certain men one cannot deceive, men of genius who, if they are once deceived,—well, so much the worse for the women who deceive them!"
"My dear Marie," I said to her, "you are the noblest and best-hearted woman I know. Here is my hand upon it—I will not exceed the bounds of friendship."
"Oh! let us understand one another: I do not say such a condition shall last for ever."
"It shall last, at all events, until you give me back my promised word."
"Agreed. If, some day, I am tired of our bond, I will write to tell you."
"To me?"
"To you."
"Before all others?"
"Before all others, for you know quite well how I love you, my good dog!... Oh! now we will read—I hear it is splendid. Why would not that stuck-up minx Mademoiselle Mars play the part?"
"Oh! because she had spent fifteen hundred francs on her dresses and the chandelier does not give sufficient light to show them off."