so handsome. I prefer to suffer, and see you--"

"See me; this wicket is made for that, and, also, that we can talk as
friends, and thus charm our solitude; which, in truth, does not weigh
heavily, you are so good a _master!_ See what dangerous confessions I
can make through this door."

"And will you not open this door? Yet see how submissive I am! to-night I
might have tried to enter with you into your chamber--I did not."

"You are submissive for two reasons. In the first place, you know that
being, from necessity, in the habit of wearing a dirk, I handle with a firm
hand this venomous plaything, sharper than the tooth of a viper; you know
also, that on the day I complain of you, I shall leave forever this house,
leaving you a thousand time more charmed, since you have been so gracious
toward your unworthy servant as to be charmed with her."

"My servant? it is I who am your slave--your slave, mocked, despised."

"That is true enough."

"And does not this touch you?"

"It amuses me. The days, and, above all, the nights, are so long."

"Oh, the cursed--"

"No seriously, you appear so completely bewildered, your features change so
sensibly, that I am flattered. It is a poor triumph, but you are the only
man here!"