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Rh gan, sitting in this carriage with his mistress's hand in his, to think of his walk with Rose.

"Rose is the cause of it all. It is she who brought me here, not you, poor darling, who sit dreaming at my side. It is she who made me hungry for the kisses I reserve for you—kisses that any other woman might have received in your place.... Yes, squeeze my hand, you may do it, for I really think I love you. I love you more than chance, I love you more than the woman I was looking for, because you are the woman I found. Besides the perfume of your soul will make sweet your mine. In love, egotism is a homage; it is also pursue your own pleasure without thinking of mine. In love, egoism is a homage; it is also a sign of conﬁdence."

The moment came. Silence fell with the night. She strove to hide her shyness under an impudent smile.

"Must I be a statue to please you? Am I a statue?"

"Your beauty would enchant me," he said, "even if it were not you. Statue, are you made of marble?"

"You know I'm not."