VANE. I will. Then tell me the way for me, unequal in wit and address to many of your admirers, to win your esteem.
WOFF. I will tell you a sure way; never act in my presence, never try to be very clever or eloquent. Remember! I am the goddess of tricks: I can only love my superior. Be honest and frank as the day, and you will be my superior; and I shall love you, and bless the hour you shone on my artificial life.
VANE. Oh! thanks, thanks, for this, I trust, is in my power!
WOFF. Mind—it is no easy task: to be my friend is to respect me, that I may respect myself the more; to be my friend is to come between me and the temptations of an unprotected life—the recklessness of a vacant heart.
VANE. I will place all that is good about me at your feet. I will sympathize with you when you are sad; I win rejoice when you are gay.
WOFF. Will you scold me when I do wrong?
VANE. Scold you?
WOFF. Nobody scolds me now—a sure sign nobody loves me. Will you scold me?
VANE (tenderly). I will try! and I will be loyal and frank. You will not hate me for a confession I make myself? (agitated.)