“Why?”
“Not because of ourselves. We are just as happy unmarried. But because of the world, because of people.”
“Because of the world? Because of people?”
“Yes. We shall be feeling more and more isolated. I discussed it once or twice with Urania. She was very sorry about it, but she sympathized with us and wasn’t shocked. She thought it an impossible position. Perhaps she is right. We can’t go anywhere. At San Stefano they still acted as though they did not know that we were living together; but that is over now.”
“What do you care about the opinion of ‘small, insignificant people, who chance to cross your path,’ as you yourself say?”
“It’s different now. We owe the prince money; and Urania is the only friend you have.”
“I have you: I don’t want any one else.”
He kissed her:
“Really, Cornélie, it is better that we should get married. Then nobody can insult you again as the prince dared to do.”
“He has narrow-minded notions: how can you want to get married for the sake of a world and people like San Stefano and the prince?”