"But my wife and I were at Mont Boron that evening, and not far from the very spot."
"Exactly. His presence prevented you from kissing each other."
"And you killed him!"
"Don't take on like that. You had nothing to do with it. It was his own fault. Pull yourself together. He had no right to creep over the parapet. He was already mangled and disfigured, I assure you, when I finished him off to prevent him from molesting you."
"It's awful!"
"Not a bit of it. There's no need to exaggerate. And then, you know, he wasn't there for any good purpose."
"Oh, Chéri-Bibi! . . . Chéri-Bibi, your friendship is a fearful thing."
"Is it really! . . . Yes, my friendship is a fearful thing, but not for you, I hope. You will never know all that I have done to make your life a success, and for your happiness."
"Yes, I do know. I owe everything to you."
"I won't deny it. That's why, since I am responsible for your happiness, I won't allow anyone to lay hands upon it."