I have a stubborn pride that stands me at times in the stead of virtue.
It was pride brought me back here, for instance.

I could not brook the laughter that would greet me in Paris did I confess that I was beaten by the Dowager of Condillac.

I tell you this to the end that, thinking less well of me, you may spare me prayers which I should dread to see fulfilled.

I have told you before, mademoiselle, Heaven is likely to answer the prayers of such a heart as yours." "Yet but a moment back you deemed me heartless," she reminded him.
"You seemed so indifferent to the fate of Florimond de Condillac." "I must have seemed, then, what I am not," she told him, "for I am far from indifferent to Florimond's fate.

The truth is, monsieur, I do not believe Madame de Condillac.