"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?"
"The whole world is like that, without exception, and we are in the world. We live in the midst of other people. It is impossible to isolate one's self entirely; and isolation brings its own punishment later. We have to attach ourselves to other people: it is impossible always to lead your own existence, without any sense of community."
"Duco, how you've changed! These are the ideas of ordinary society!"
"I have been reflecting more lately."
"I am just learning how not to reflect.... My darling, how grave you are this morning! And this while I'm lying up against you so deliciously, to rest after all the excitement and the hot journey!"
"Seriously, Cornélie, let us get married."
She snuggled up against him a little nervously, displeased because he persisted and because he was forcibly dissipating her blissful mood: