“I will explain myself, since you oblige me to do so. When I said to you, Take care, I meant, Do not enchain yourself.”
“Ah! countess,” replied the duke with warmth; “for God’s sake, let no unjust and false suspicion tarnish the reputation of this woman before any person knows her. This woman, countess, is an angel!”
“Without any doubt: one is not smitten of love by a devil.”
“And yet you have a thousand adorers,” replied the duke, smiling.
“I am not a devil,” said the countess; “but I have the gift of second-sight.”
“To go past the mark is not to attain it.”
“I will give you six months, invulnerable Achilles!”
“Cease, for goodness, countess; that which on your lips is but a light jest, would become a mortal poison in the mouths of those vipers who multiply in society.”
“Have no fears; it will not be I who will cast the first stone. I am indulgent as a saint, or as a great sinner, without being either the one or the other.”
This conversation did not completely satisfy the duke. Near the door he was stopped by Gen. Santa-Maria.