'I have had enough of this comedy, played the whole day, and it is not necessary for us to continue it. We must be sincere and frank; let us be so from the first day. We have contracted, not matrimony, not a union of hearts, but a bargain; let us try to make it advantageous to us both.'
Speaking thus and not looking at her husband, she began to take off her wreath and veil. There was no emotion in her voice.
'If you do not wish anyone to overhear our conversation,' she added, 'be so kind as to assure your-self that nobody listens at the door.'
'I am sure of that, for I have given orders,' said Brühl, 'and usually my orders are executed.'
Frances took some perfume from a bottle standing on the dressing-table and put it on her temples.
'I cannot be happy,' she continued while undressing, 'as other women are; the man whom I loved, I don't conceal that, is in a dark prison; you love another woman, therefore we are indifferent to each other: although nobody told me what kind of sacrifice I am destined for, I understand it all the same. But I wish to enjoy life and I shall enjoy it--I must have all its pleasures. The poison must be sweetened; that I deserve. I like luxury and I shall have it; I must have distraction in order not to cry; I must have noise in order not to hear the voice of my heart: I must have all that.--You are a stranger to me, I am a stranger to you.--We may be good friends, if you try to deserve my friendship. Who knows, I may take a fancy and be good to you for a few days, but I will not be anybody's slave--even--'
She turned to Brühl who stood silent and embarrassed.
'Do you understand me?'
The minister remained silent.
'Nobody said a word about it to me,' she continued. 'I guessed it with the instinct of a woman; I know to what I am destined.--'