Admitting for an instant that she should at last love you--" "Oh, never!" exclaimed De Guiche.
"Why do you say never ?" "Because it would be a great misfortune for both of us." "In that case, instead of regarding you simply imprudent, I cannot but consider you absolutely mad." "Why ?" "Are you perfectly sure--mind, answer me frankly--that you do not wish her whom you love to make any sacrifice for you ?" "Yes, yes; quite sure." "Love her, then, at a distance." "What! at a distance ?" "Certainly; what matters being present or absent, since you expect nothing from her?
Love her portrait, a memento." "Raoul!" "Love is a shadow, an illusion, a chimera; be devoted to the affection itself, in giving a name to your ideality." "Ah!" "You turn away; your servants approach.

I will say no more.

In good or bad fortune, De Guiche, depend on me." "Indeed I shall do so." "Very well; that is all I had to say to you.

Spare no pains in your person, De Guiche, and look your very best.

Adieu." "You will not be present, then, at the ballet, vicomte ?" "No; I shall have a visit to pay in town.