“Don’t think it, dearest, but I love you passionately; and not being able to give you anything by reason of your unfortunate vow of poverty, I lavish what I possess on this worthy woman, to induce her to spare nothing for your comfort while you are here. Perhaps, too—though it is not a definite thought—I hope that it will make you love me more.”
“How can I love you more than I do? The only thing that makes me unhappy is the idea of returning to the convent.”
“But you told me yesterday that it was exactly that idea which made you happy.”
“I have changed my mind since yesterday. I passed a cruel night, for as soon as I fell asleep I was in your arms, and I awoke again and again on the point of consummating the greatest of crimes.”
“You did not go through such a struggle before committing the same crime with a man you did not love.”
“It is exactly because I did not love him that my sin struck me as venial. Do you understand what I mean?”
“It’s a piece of superstitious metaphysics, but I understand you perfectly.”
“You have made me happy, and I feel very grateful to you, and I feel glad and certain of conquering when I reflect that your situation is different to mine.”
“I will not dispute it with you, although I am sorry for what you say.”
“Why?”