In that character I had all but announced myself last night to Mademoiselle.

In that character I had been welcomed by her father.

In that character, then, I must remain, that I might be near her, that I might woo and win her, and thus--though this, I swear, had now become a minor consideration with me--make good my boast and win the wager that must otherwise involve my ruin.
As I lay back with closed eyes and gave myself over to pondering the situation, I took a pleasure oddly sweet in the prospect of urging my suit under such circumstances.

Chatellerault had given me a free hand.

I was to go about the wooing of Mademoiselle de Lavedan as I chose.