There was talk once--but it was all false.

I never meant to ask any one to marry me.

But I have the wish now which I never had in my youth.

I thought best of myself always; now, I think--I think better of you than--" "Oh, Monsieur, I beg of you, no more! I cannot; oh, I cannot--" "You--but no; I will not ask you, Mademoiselle.

If you have some one else in your heart, or want some one else there, that is your affair, not mine--undoubtedly.