Eloise [breaking into a laugh]. Forward, soldiers!
Louis [reprovingly]. Eloise!
Eloise. Well, open the door, then, if you want her to hear you make love to me! [Coolly.] That's what you're going to do, isn't it?
Louis [with imperfect self-control]. I wish to ask you for the last time—
Eloise [flouting]. There are so many last times!
Louis. To ask you if you are sure that you know your own heart. You cared for me once, and—
Eloise [as if this were news indeed]. I did? Who under heaven ever told you that?
Louis [flushing]. You allowed yourself to be betrothed to me, I believe.
Eloise. "Allowed" is the word, precisely. I seem to recall changing all that the very day I became an orphan—and my own master! [Satirically polite.] Pray correct me if my memory errs. How long ago was it? Six years? Seven?
Louis [with emotion]. Eloise, Eloise, you did love me then! We were happy, both of us, so very happy—