My presence here may be a little sudden and startling,
I admit; but you must not be too hard upon one who lives only to love
and adore you. I knew that I risked your anger when I decided to take
this step; but I could not exist any longer without a sight of you,
and I humbly crave your pardon if I have offended you by my ardour and
devotion. I kneel at your feet, fair lady, a despairing and most unhappy
suppliant for your grace and favour."
"Rise, my lord, I beseech you," said the frightened, trembling girl,
speaking with great difficulty and in a voice that sounded strange in
her own ears; "such a position does not become your rank. I am only an
actress, and my poor attractions do not warrant such homage. Forget this
fleeting fancy, I pray you, and carry elsewhere the ardour and devotion
that are wasted upon me, and that so many great and noble ladies would
be proud and happy to receive and reward."
"What do I care for other women, be they what they may?" cried
Vallombreuse impetuously, as he rose in obedience to her request; "it
is YOUR pride and purity that I adore, YOUR beauty and goodness that I
worship; your very cruelty is more charming to me than the utmost
favour of any other woman in the world. Your sweet modesty and angelic
loveliness have inspired in me a passion that is almost delirium, and
unless you can learn to love me I shall die--I cannot live without you.
Pages:
409
410
411
412
413
414
415
416
417
418
419
420
421
422
423
424
425
426
427
428
429
430
431
432
433