"The pleasure in pretty robes is quite ended. I would like a uniformed costume like nuns, not too unbecoming, so as not to weary my eyes in mirrors."
"Black," said Hubert, "would be agreeable, but why this renunciation?"
"So that the external gayety might not make a false contrast with the darkness of my soul ... I should not have received you this evening, for I am sad and forlorn."
"You promised."
"That is no reason. I have had more important promises made to me which were never fulfilled. I bear no malice, only regret."
"Let me love you?"
"And to what purpose?" asked Sixtine, drawing herself up in her chair as if stupefied.
"It will perhaps console you."
"Oh! my dear, do what you wish, I am patient and passive, but I warn you, it will be the worse for you."
"You are so discouraging!" Hubert gently returned. "Thus, you should have let me enter with you yesterday evening...."