Philippe was burning with passion and resentment. But when his hard glance encountered Annette's, which did not avoid him, he perceived the suffering that she was firmly controlling. His anger melted, and in a softened voice he asked, "Why did you run away?"
"Because you are killing me."
"Don't you know what it is to love?"
"I do know, and that is why I ran away. I am afraid of hating you."
"Well, hate me, if you like. Hating is a way of loving."
"Not for me," she said. "I can't endure it."
"You are not so weak that you can't endure both the good and evil of a complete love."
"I am not so weak, Philippe. I want a complete love. Body and soul. I don't want merely half."
"The soul is all nonsense," he said.
"Then to what purpose have you devoted all your energy? For what have you sacrificed yourself, ever since you were born, if not to your Idea?"