"I will!"
"Tell me, then, do you love Paul Lisimon?"
"True, eternally!"
"And for that love you are prepared to sacrifice all ambitious hopes? You, who have much of your father's haughty nature can reconcile yourself to a life of comparative poverty and obscurity for the sake of him you love?"
"It would be no sacrifice," answered Camillia; "poverty would have no trials if shared with him."
"But, remember, Camillia Moraquitos, think of his unknown birth—low and obscure no doubt as are all mysterious lineages—would not that cause you to blush for your lover—your husband?"
"I could never blush for him while I knew him to be honest and honorable."
"Ay, but even then how bitter would be your trial! Do not forget that his honor has been sullied by a foul suspicion—that he has been branded as a thief!"
"I forget nothing. I know that I love him and trust him. We cannot love those we do not trust."
"Enough," answered Pauline, "now listen to me. I tell you a new road has opened to my ambitious hopes. I shall win wealth and station, without sacrificing you or your lover. Nay, more, I promise you that the day that sees the fulfillment of my wishes, shall also see you the bride of Paul Lisimon."