Page:Teleny, or The Reverse of the Medal, t. II.djvu/136

 do; if I accept once, I'll do so again, and what will be the upshot? I'll end by being kept by you.'

And where is the great harm?' was my reply. 'Do you think I'd love you less for it?'

Oh! no; you perhaps might love me even more on account of the money I cost you—for we are often fond of a friend according to what we do for him—but I might be induced to love you less; gratitude is such an unbearable burden to human nature. I am your lover, it is true, but do not let me sink lower than that, Camille,' said he, with a wistful eagerness.

See! since I knew you, have I not tried to make ends meet? Some day or other I might even manage to pay off old debts; so do not tempt me any more.'

"Thereupon, taking me in his arms, he covered me with kisses.

"How handsome he was just then! I think I can see him leaning on a dark-blue satin cushion, with his arms under his head, as you are leaning now, for you have many of his feline, graceful ways.