Countess He can never love me! (to Walter) Is he speaking the truth, perfidious wretch?
Walter Madame, in truth—I am in confusion, if my heart were—— Trim, explain all this to Madame La Comtesse.
Countess
He can never love me!
Trim
No, Madame, but it's your fault, not his.
Countess
It's my fault—after all that I've done?
Trim That's true. We don't disagree. But the fact is, you have such nobility in your looks, such majesty, and I don't know what that's grave and imposing—that it can only inspire him with esteem and respect. Love doesn't rub off from such venerable personages.
Countess If my features inspire him with respect, my glances ought to inspire him with love.
Trim
That's where we disagree.
Countess
You cannot disagree.
Walter Hold, Madame, I've great obligations to you; I am too gallant a man not to speak to you sincerely. Let me then disabuse you, and say to you, with all respect, that I owe you that.