"Ah! that is as much of a mystery to me as to you. A strange reluctance kept me back—almost a presentiment of evil. Do you know what I mean?"
"I understand that. I have felt the same thing at times."
"But to return to Carmen. Whenever I think of asking her to marry me, I feel as if I were deliberately inviting misfortune."
"You are not well, perhaps?"
"Bless my soul! How reasonable you are! No, I am well, I am greatly in love, and yet—"
"Upon my word!" said the Vicomte, "I can't see what you expect me to say."
"I have not told you all, and I have an admission to make that is not altogether agreeable. The truth is, I was so carried away by Carmen's beauty, that—"
"You became engaged to her?"
"I kissed her, my friend, and I was not repulsed nor reproved. She considered the kiss given to her fiancé. And now, shall I marry her? I tell you, that even when my lips met hers, I felt more sharply than ever the presentiment of which I spoke. I know that after what has taken place I ought to apply to her father for her hand. Why do I hesitate? I cannot tell."