You cannot think I am so base as to sell myself for the sake of revenging an insult once offered me.

If I am to regard this as a proposal of marriage, I must decline it with thanks.

If it is merely a proposition for an alliance, I think the terms of the treaty are unequal." Del Ferice smiled.
"I knew you well enough to know what your answer would be," he said.

"I never insulted you by dreaming that you would accept such a proposition.
But as a subject for speculation it is very pleasant.

It is delightful to me to think of being your husband; it is equally delightful to you to think of the humiliation of an enemy.