Should I have kept my own esteem in so doing?
I doubt it.

Mademoiselle, in such a case success brings absolution; but happiness?
That is another thing.

Should I have distrusted my wife had I won her in that way?
Most assuredly I should.

Your advance on me would sooner or later have come between us.

Your husband, however grand your fancy may make him, would have ended by reproaching you for having abased him.