a very old-fashioned phrase, since people no longer love. Women love
men for money, and men love women because they are the fashion or on
account of their surroundings.

I could not say, "On such or such a day I met a young man whom I
liked." I do not know when I noticed him. I cannot even understand
these feelings, I cannot find expressions. I will only say, "I do
not know when, I do not know how this love has come. It came because
it probably had to come." I should like to define this, yet I
cannot.

Now, if he were paying me attention, he would think he was doing me
honour, but then I should make him see that it is I who honour him
by marrying him, because I am giving up all my glory. Yet what
happiness can be greater: To have everything--to be a child
worshipped by its parents, petted, having all a child can have. Then
to be known, admired, sought by the whole world, and have glory and
triumph every time one sings. And at last to become a duchess, and
to have the duke whom I have loved a long while, and be received
and admired by everybody. To be rich on my own account and through
my husband; to be able to say that I am not a plebeian by birth,
like all the celebrities--that is the life, that is the happiness I
desire. If I can become his wife without being a cantatrice, I shall
be equally well pleased, but I believe that is the only way I shall
be able to attract him.

Oh, if that could be! My God! Thou hast made me find in what way I
shall be able to obtain what I ask. Oh! Lord! Aid me, I place all my
hopes in Thee. Thou alone canst do all things, canst render me
happy. Thou hast made me understand that it is through my voice I