Eloise. Louis, to be frank: I don't care what they find in your heart when they open it.
Louis [with a hint of sternness]. Have you never reflected that there might be something for me to forgive you?
Eloise [glancing at him over her shoulder in frowning surprise]. What!
Louis. I wonder sometimes if you have ever found a flaw in your own character.
Eloise [astounded]. So! [Turning sharply upon him.] You are assuming the right to criticize me, are you? Oho!
Louis [agitated]. I state merely—I have said—I think I forgive you a great deal—
Eloise [beginning to char]. You do! You bestow your gracious pardon upon me, do you? [Bursting into flame.] Keep your forgiveness to yourself! When I want it I'll kneel at your feet and beg it of you! You can kiss me then, for then you will know that "the old love has come back"!
Louis [miserably]. When you kneel—
Eloise. Can you picture it—Marquis? [She hurls his title at him, and draws herself up in icy splendor.] I am a woman of the Republic!
Louis. And the Republic has no need of love.