"Yes, you say that, to sweeten the pill. You don't like me. There are things in me which are odious to you."
"No, no. I assure you. Don't look so hang-dog. You are the dearest, kindest man…."
"Then I don't understand. Why couldn't we agree?"
"Because we are too different—both too decided, too individual."
"That is why I love you."
"I too. But that is why we should find ourselves conflicting."
"No." "Yes. Or, rather, as I know that you are bigger than I, I should reproach myself with embarrassing you with my smaller personality, and then I should be stifled. I should say nothing, and I should suffer."
Tears came to Christophe's eyes.
"Oh! I won't have that. Never! I would rather be utterly miserable than have you suffering through my fault, for my sake."
"My dear, you mustn't feel it like that…. You know, I say all that, but I may be flattering myself…. Perhaps I should not be so good as to sacrifice myself for you."