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76 might have been too late while it is not too late now. What could I have said then? I could have said only: You are my friend, my dear good friend. I am very sorry but I love her. [With a sudden fervent gesture.] I love her and I will take her from you, however I can, because I love her.

[Calmly.] That is the language I have heard often and never believed in. Do you mean by stealth or by violence? Steal you could not in my house because the doors were open; nor take by violence if there were no resistance.

You forget that the kingdom of heaven suffers violence: and the kingdom of heaven is like a woman.

[Smiling.] Go on.

[Diffidently, but bravely.] Do you think you have rights over her—over her heart?

None.

For what you have done for her? So much! You claim nothing?

Nothing.

[After a pause strikes his forehead with his hand.] What am I saying? Or what am I thinking? I wish you would upbraid me, curse me, hate me as I deserve.