“But you must have a lover?”
“Yes; it is through him that I am rich, and he is entirely my master. I never conceal anything from him. The day after to-morrow, when I am alone with you, I will tell you more.”
“But I hope that your lover....”
“Will not be there? Certainly not. Have you a mistress?”
“I had one, but, alas! she has been taken from me by violent means, and for the last six months I have led a life of complete celibacy.”
“Do you love her still?”
“I cannot think of her without loving her. She has almost as great charms, as great beauty, as you have; but I foresee that you will make me forget her.”
“If your happiness with her was complete, I pity you. She has been violently taken from you, and you shun society in order to feed your sorrow. I have guessed right, have I not? But if I happen to take possession of her place in your heart, no one, my sweet friend, shall turn me out of it.”
“But what will your lover say?”
“He will be delighted to see me happy with such a lover as you. It is in his nature.”