"But I don't in the least wish to resemble her."
"Why?"
"Because she behaved odiously."
"Perfidiously, yes, but she acted like a woman, a weak, false woman. And that is what pleases me. I like weakness in women. I don't care about strong-minded women-heroines. Let those who will sing their praises, I shall never be among their admirers. Strength of mind is as little suited to a woman as physical strength. A woman should be all weakness, all love, all tenderness. Let her weakness make her false. What does it matter as long as she is charming!... But you, how would you have acted in her place? Imagine that you are in love with someone—well, say, for instance, with me. I hope that such a supposition made in joke won't offend you. Imagine, then, that you are in love with me, here, now, as you are, in your present position."
"In my present position?... I think that if I were in love with you, I should endeavour that you should never find it out."
"And why so?"
"Because I am married, I am not free."
"La belle raison!"
"Comment, ce n'est pas une raison?... What would you say if your wife.."