“Yes, he has liked me; but not loved me.”
“He has married you.”
“Through tenderness and pity—not through love.”
“He has continued to give you every proof of his affection.”
“Affection, certainly; no love.”
“What did you expect? What are you expecting?”
“An impossible thing, mother! To be loved with passion, with vehemence, like the other.”
“Oh, my daughter, it is impossible.”
“I have told you; it is impossible.”
“And did you marry Marco with that desire?”