Olivia:
Don't you swear that all the time to Laura?
Cadwell:
Judge by the continual reproaches I receive from her.
Olivia:
But you deceive her then?
Cadwell: Why, madam, don't you know how things are done? Don't you know that an uncle ordered me to attach myself to her, and that her great wealth put this project in his head. I was not then engaged elsewhere. I consented to all he wished. But I saw you, madam, and love made me neglect a very considerable fortune.
Olivia: Ah, Cadwell. I don't know if all you tell me is true. But I am sure I wish at least—
Cadwell: (interrupting her and falling on his knees) Ah, madam! Permit me, I beg you, to throw myself at your feet. I conjure you in the name of the most lively tenderness of a passion which will never end to put me to the strongest test you can invent. Do you want Laura's letters? I abandon them to you. Do you want me never to see her again? I consent. Do you want me to smash her portrait before your eyes? I will do it. There's nothing I won't sacrifice. Command it!
Olivia:
I wish that you had never spoken.
Cadwell:
Had I offered you my first vows! I would still be faithful.
Olivia:
But Cadwell, what are you asking from me?
Cadwell:
That you love me, that you think it, and that you tell me—endlessly.