"There's a story intermingled with much prattling.... I am speaking for myself."
"I deserve my part of the blame," returned Entragues.
And to himself he added:
"If you love me! I have the air of laying down my conditions. What cowardice made me pronounce these humiliating syllables! I, too, have spoiled everything. I had only to say 'yes'! And that was my whole thought, it was my true thought. Yet I love you, Sixtine, I really love you without conditions, you see! Ah! you will end by understanding it."
Sixtine observed him:
"Ah! my poor friend, will you never understand me, then?"
She said loud:
"But we must end.... It is because I have some modesty in baring myself in this way.... After all.... No, enough for to-day ... another time .... Please leave me, now, if you wish to please me ... without questions ... and without fear ... you will come to-morrow. Good-by, my friend."