“It is very well to say, ‘Keep out of his way;’ but if he formally demands an interview, I cannot refuse it.”
“If he formally desires an interview, do you give him a formal reception: if he formally offers you his hand, do you formally decline the honour.”
“I would it were you, Marie, that he loved.”
“A thousand thanks to you, Mademoiselle Larochejaquelin. I appreciate your generosity, but really I have no vacancy for M. Denot, just at present.”
“Ah! but you would reject him with so much more ease, than I can do it.”
“Practice, my dear, is everything: this time you may feel a little awkward, but you will find you will dispose of your second lover without much difficulty, and you will give his congé to your third with as much ease, as though you were merely dismissing a disobedient kitchen-maid.”
“I cannot bear to give pain; and Adolphe will be pained; his self-love will be wounded at the idea of being rejected.”
“Then spare his self-love, and accept him.”
“No; that I will not do.”
“Then wound his self-love, and reject him.”