—Oh! you might require more than that. But could I also, in my turn, ask something of you?
—Ask on.
—It will be perhaps very hard for you.
—Speak freely. What do you want? Are you not mistress here? Is not everything at your disposal?
—Oh, no.
—No! You surprise me. Have I hurt you without knowing it? I do not remember it, I assure you. Tell me then, that I may atone for my fault.
—I hardly know how to tell you.
—Is it then very serious?
—Not precisely, but….
—You are putting me on thorns. What is it then?