"How can you talk about having been compelled to do it?"
"Because it happens to be the truth."
"Your version of the truth, you mean?"
"Exactly. My version of the truth, although you won't believe it. I was forced into the thing against my will by a series of coincidences which I found it impossible to avoid; and, as a matter of fact, I am not harming Miss von Rebling in the least."
"Haven't you led her to believe you may break off the engagement?"
"I've been considering it."
"Don't you call that harming her?"
"No."
"How can you say that? What will happen when the real man arrives?"
"Not even then."