He resolved on offering her his hand, which she accepted.

However, so much calculation, hesitation, and coldness had dissipated the little illusion which the young captive had left, and reduced her feelings to deep esteem.

She devoted rather than gave herself.

It appeared to her sublime to immolate herself for the happiness of a worthy man; and she consummated this sacrifice with all the seriousness of reason and without a grain of heartfelt enthusiasm.
Her marriage was to her an act of virtue, which she performed, not because it was agreeable to her, but because she deemed it sublime.
The pupil of Jean Jacques Rousseau is seen again at this decisive moment of her existence.

The marriage of Madame Roland is a palpable imitation of that of Heloise with M.de Volmar.