Nevertheless, we quickly knew how to understand each other, did we not?
Your character pleased me. I felt that you were loyal, and then you entertained me greatly, for you brought into our house that artistic air which gave my fancies life. I ought to tell you that my brother had already warned me that I should like you. You know that Léon loves you.
I know it, and I think it was in _his_ brain that the first idea of our marriage had birth. [_After a short silence_] You remember our return from Saint-Germain after we had dined in the Henri IV. Pavilion?
My uncle and your aunt were in the front of the landau, and you and I on the rear seat, and in another carriage were your father and Léon. What a glorious spring night! But how coldly you treated me!
You ought to recall that I put to you that day a question which I had already asked you, because you cannot deny that I had paid you very tender attention and that you had captured my heart.
True. Nevertheless it surprised and upset me. Oh, how often have I remembered it since! But I have never been able to recall the very words you used. Do you remember them?
No; they came from my lips, issuing from the bottom of my heart like a prayer for mercy. I only know that I told you that I should never re-enter your house if you did not give me some little hope that there should be a day when you would know me better. You pondered a long time before you answered me, but you spoke in such a low tone that I was anxious to make you repeat it.
GILBERTE [_takes up his sentence and speaks as if in a dream_]
I said that it would pain me greatly if I should see you no more.
Could anyone forget that? [_With deep emotion._] Do you know what I think? As we look at each other and examine our hearts, our souls, our mutual understanding, our love, I verily believe that we have set out on the true road to happiness. [_Kisses her. For a moment they are silent._]
But I must leave you. [_Goes toward door_ L.] I must prepare for our journey. Meanwhile, go and find my father.
Yes, but tell me before you go that you love me.
[_Exit_ Gilberte L., _a second after. Enter_ M. Martinel C. _with a very agitated air, and a letter in his hand_.]
MARTINEL [_perceives_ Jean, _quickly slips the letter into his pocket; then, recollecting himself_]