That is--not unless you wish it." "Not unless I wish it?
But naturally I wish it!" "Then, Valerie, if you would have what you wish, so must I.If Florimond is ever to come to Condillac again, you must be my wife." He leaned towards her now, supported by his elbow, so that his face was close to hers, a deeper flush upon it, a brighter glitter in his black eyes, his vinous breath enveloping and suffocating her.

She shrank back, her hands locking themselves one in the other till the knuckles showed white.
"What--what is it you mean ?" she faltered.
"No more than I have said; no less.

If you love him well enough to sacrifice yourself," and his lips curled sardonically at the word, "then marry me and save him from his doom." "What doom ?" Her voice came mechanically, her lips seeming scarce to move.
He swung down from the table and stood before her.
"I will tell you," he said, in a voice very full of promise.

"I love you, Valerie, above all else on earth or, I think, in heaven; and I'll not yield you to him.

Say 'No' to me now, and at daybreak I start for La Rochette to win you from him at point of sword." Despite her fears she could not repress a little smile of scorn.
"Is that all ?" said she.