"You may reject me with scorn, but you can hardly refuse me the courtesy
which any gentleman would have a right to expect from your hands."
"You know that I will refuse you nothing which, either in courtesy or
kindness, I can do for you," said she, again sitting down. He, however,
seeing her once more seated, did not appear much inclined to conclude
what he had to say to her, for he continued walking up and down the
room, in a rather disturbed manner; "but you should remember," she
added, "how soon Henri is going to leave me, and how much we have all
to think and to talk of."
"I see my presence is unwelcome, and it shall not trouble you long. I
would soon rid your eyes of my hated form, but I must first say a few
words, though my throat be choked with speaking them. My passion for you
is no idle boyish love; it has grown with my growth, and matured itself
with my manhood. I cannot now say to myself that it shall cease to be.
I cannot restore calmness to my heart or rest to my bosom. My love is
a fire which cannot now be quenched; it must be nourished, or it will
destroy the heart which is unable to restrain it.
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