“May be, but know that I have seen all your charms. What shall I do to possess you?”
“To possess me? I don’t understand you, sir; I’m an honest girl.”
“I dare say; but you wouldn’t be any less honest after making me happy. Dear Redegonde, do not let me languish for you, but tell me my fate now this instant.”
“I do not know what to tell you, but you can come and see me whenever you like.”
“When shall I find you alone?”
“Alone! I am never alone.”
“Well, well, that’s of no consequence; if only your mother is present, that comes to the same thing. If she is sensible, she will pretend not to see anything, and I will give you a hundred ducats each time.”
“You are either a madman, or you do not know what sort of people we are.”
With these words she went on, and I proceeded to tell Thérèse what had passed.
“Begin,” said she, “by offering the hundred ducats to the mother, and if she refuses, have no more to do with them, and go elsewhere.”