"I'm sure you are," said Christophe; "but in a different way. And then, I've come just to help you to be strong, if you want to be so. For what I have just said gives me leave to go on and say, with more frankness than I should otherwise have had, that—without prejudice for to-morrow—I love you."
Olivier blushed hotly. He was struck dumb with embarrassment, and could not speak.
Christophe glanced round the room.
"It's a poor place you live in. Haven't you another room?"
"Only a lumber-room."
"Ugh! I can't breathe. How do you manage to live here?"
"One does it somehow."
"I couldn't—never."
Christophe unbuttoned his waistcoat and took a long breath.
Olivier went and opened the window wide.