But I have still something to tell you, and the most important of all.

Jean, listen to me well; I do not wish for a reply torn from your emotion; I know that you love me.

If you marry me, I do not wish it to be only for love; I wish it to be also for reason.

During the fortnight before you left here, you took so much pains to avoid me, to escape any conversation, that I have not been able to show myself to you as I am.
Perhaps there are in me certain qualities which you do not suspect.
"Jean, I know what you are, I know to what I should bind myself in marrying you, and I should be for you not only the loving and tender woman, but the courageous and constant wife.

I know your entire life; your godfather has related it to me.