"But I do say it to you now."
"Seriously? You say such a thing seriously? You offer me such conditions?"
"Yes; seriously."
"Well, then, you are trying to make a fool of me."
"You are very humble, certainly."
"On the contrary, I am very proud to prove to you that I am incapable of such a piece of cowardice. But come, let us quit speaking of others; let us talk of ourselves. Accept my attentions; take me unconditionally, or rather on condition of making me the most faithless of men."
"And those letters?"
"Again? Don't you suppose I can see that all this is a very clever trick to prove me; to find out if I am perfectly trustworthy; that you can safely confide in my discretion and my love? Between you and me, I think it augurs well for our future happiness,—all these precautions on your part."
"You are not wanting in confidence, at least."
"Do you consider it vanity to hope and desire?"