"He will do nothing of the sort. He never loved me, either. It flattered his self-esteem to make a conquest of me, and that was all. He is one of the men who think that a woman is too highly favored when they deign to look at her. Oh! I know him now, I know him too well! I see him now as he is! Besides, he was not faithful to me, I am sure. How do I know that it was not he himself who was making love to that actress? Ah! my dear Charles, how does it happen that a connection so intimate, which is sometimes based on sincere love, often leaves nothing but regrets and bitter memories in the heart? After love should come friendship. Should not that be the natural consequence of the relation lovers have borne to each other? But, instead of that, they part in anger, and sometimes come to hate where they have loved so dearly." "No, Frédérique, no! that does not happen when two hearts have burned for each other with a sincere passion. The connection may be broken, but a pleasant remembrance of the happiness they have enjoyed always remains." "Do you think so? In that case, I never loved Saint-Bergame. Yes, I am sure now that I didn't love him; and, more than that--would you like me to tell you my inmost thoughts? Well! I believe that I have never loved any man! and I propose to continue on that line; it's much more amusing. Then one treats men just as they treat us--one drops them as soon as they cease to be attractive! You won't say that I am right; but in the bottom of your heart you think so." "I--I--I am thinking that you are free at this moment----" "Yes, and I believe I am almost as delighted as I was when I ceased all relations with Monsieur Dauberny." "Oh! for all that--before long--another sentiment----" "We shall see; one can be sure of nothing; but not very soon. No, I am in no hurry to assume new chains, however light they may be. I believe that I was born to be independent. It is such fun to do just what you please! For example: if I had been Saint-Bergame's mistress still, I couldn't have had you to supper to-night. It would have displeased him; or else I should have had to conceal it from him; and I don't like mysteries.--Ha! ha! ha! how poor Brunzbrack is snoring! If that's his way of making love to a woman----" "He won't be the man to replace Saint-Bergame, will he?" "No, indeed! Besides, I don't mean to love any more; I have decided. I don't feel sure--whether--I am--right; tell me--if I'm--right. It's very late--isn't it? I must--go to bed. You don't tell me anything; I have to do all the talking myself." For several minutes Frédérique had had difficulty in fighting against the drowsiness that made her eyelids heavy. While she was talking, she let her head fall on the back of her chair; her eyes closed and still she talked on. But suddenly she ceased--she had fallen asleep.