de La Tour d'Azyr, she became roundly abusive. She
shocked and stunned him by her virulently shrewish tone, and her
still more unexpected force of invective.
He sought to reason with her, and finally she came to certain
terms with him.
"If you have become betrothed to me simply to stand as an obstacle
in my path, the sooner we make an end the better."
"You do not love me then, Climene?"
"Love has nothing to do with it. I'll not tolerate your insensate
jealousy. A girl in the theatre must make it her business to accept
homage from all."
"Agreed; and there is no harm, provided she gives nothing in
exchange."
White-faced, with flaming eyes she turned on him at that.
"Now, what exactly do you mean?"
"My meaning is clear. A girl in your position may receive all the
homage that is offered, provided she receives it with a dignified
aloofness implying clearly that she has no favours to bestow in
return beyond the favour of her smile. If she is wise she will
see to it that the homage is always offered collectively by her
admirers, and that no single one amongst them shall ever have the
privilege of approaching her alone.
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