"Why not? what is it to you that I have had a few sleepless nights, since it depends solely upon you to make me as tranquil as I used to be."
"What must I do to bring that about?"
"What I told you: tell me that you belong to some one. I shall look upon that as final, and as I am very proud, I shall be cured as by a fairy's wand."
"And suppose I tell you that I belong to no one, because I no longer care to love any one, will not that suffice?"
"No; I shall be conceited enough to think that you may change your mind."
Thérèse could not help laughing at the adroitness with which Laurent manœuvred.
"Very well," said she, "be cured, and give me back a friendship of which I was proud, instead of a life for which I should have to blush. I love some one."
"That is not enough, Thérèse: you must tell me that you belong to him."
"Otherwise you would think that some one was yourself, eh? Well, so be it, I have a lover. Are you satisfied?"
"Perfectly. As you see, I kiss your hand to thank you for your frankness. Come, be a good girl, tell me that it is Palmer."