For a long time past I have loved you, but would not confess it.

Well, then, you have implored this love on your knees, and I have refused you; I was blind, as you were a little while since; but as it was my love that you sought, it is my love I now offer you." "Oh! madame, you overwhelm me beneath a load of happiness." "Will you be happy, then, if I am yours--entirely ?" "It will be the supremest happiness for me." "Take me, then.

If, however, for your sake I sacrifice a prejudice, do you, for mine, sacrifice a scruple." "Do not tempt me." "Do not refuse me." "Think seriously of what you are proposing." "Fouquet, but one word.

Let it be 'No,' and I open this door," and she pointed to the door which led into the streets, "and you will never see me again.

Let that word be 'Yes,' and I am yours entirely." "Elise! Elise! But this coffer ?" "Contains my dowry." "It is your ruin," exclaimed Fouquet, turning over the gold and papers; "there must be a million here." "Yes, my jewels, for which I care no longer if you do not love me, and for which, equally, I care no longer if you love me as I love you." "This is too much," exclaimed Fouquet.