PAUL.
[Indignantly.]
Dishonour!
[Checking himself.]
Monsieur, honesty is honoured now, even though it be not allied to an empty title. Tis not a crest, but character, that measures manhood in this modern age. Therefore I do not fear to tell you—
[DUKE turns quickly. PAUL hesitates.]
that I love your daughter.
DUKE.
[With terrible contempt.]
And you take this time to declare it! When you have burdened me with obligations that leave me powerless at your feet?—when I must see in the demand for the daughter's hand, a possible bargain for the father's life.