"Oh, easily—see now. I would say,'My dear Bel! I am at your service! If you love me, I'll love you!' And then with a low bow I would kiss her hand, and her lips too, if she would permit me."
"Do you think that would succeed, however?" he says.
"I don't know, and I don't care—I'd try."
Jacques sighs again, and looks wistfully at Belle-bouche, who smiles.
"I'm afraid such a cavalier address—at the pistol's mouth as it were—at forty paces—like those highwaymen you spoke of but now—would only insure failure."
"You are mistaken."
"I doubt the propriety of such a 'making love.'"
"If I were a man, you would see my success. I'd have any woman for the asking."
"Well, fancy yourself a man."