"Say on, then, but waste no time."
"Haven't you, who are so skilful in probing the human heart to its lowest depths," said Nanon, "haven't you remarked my partiality for Monsieur de Canolles, my repeated solicitations in his interest?—the captain's commission I procured for him, the grant of money for a trip to Bretagne with Monsieur de Meilleraie, his recent leave of absence,—in a word, my constant efforts to gratify him?"
"Madame, madame!" said the duke, "you exceed all bounds!"
"For God's sake, Monsieur le Duc, wait until you hear the end!"
"Why should I wait any longer? What more is there for you to tell me?"
"That I have a most affectionate interest in Monsieur de Canolles."
"Pardieu! I know it well."
"That I am devoted to him, body and soul."
"Madame, you abuse—"
"That I will do my utmost to oblige him while I live, and all because—"