"There is quality and quantity without end. I am not a lover who pines and goes without his meals. Madame, observe me—I kneel. I tell you that I adore you. Will you be my wife?"
"No, a thousand times no! I know you to be a brave man, Monsieur le Vicomte; but who can put a finger on your fancy? To-day it is I; to-morrow, elsewhere. You would soon tire of me who could bring you no dowry save lost illusions and confiscated property. Doubtless you have not heard that his Eminence the cardinal has posted seals upon all that which fell to me through Monsieur de Brissac."
"What penetration!" thought the vicomte, rising and dusting his knees.
"And yet, Monsieur," impulsively, "I would not have you for an enemy."
"One would think that you are afraid of me."
"I am," simply.
"Why?"
"You are determined that I shall love you, and I am equally determined that I shall not."
"Ah! a matter of the stronger mind and will."
"My will shall never bend toward yours, Monsieur. What I fear is your persecution. Let us put aside love, which is impossible, and turn our attention to something nearer and quite possible—friendship." She extended her hand, frankly, without reservation. If only she could in some manner disarm this man!