Olivia: This enigma is very difficult to solve. But I do not see what peril you run in remaining here. Cadwell: Ah, madam, how badly my eyes serve me! That my sighs are so badly explained. What? All my actions have not made themselves understood? Olivia: I have only noticed in you that you are prodigiously at ease with the whole world. Cadwell: Ah, madam! If I haven't kept honest appearances for the others, much different are the ones I've had for you. You owe me a complete account of them. I have done it only to better hide my love. Olivia: Ah, Cadwell, are you thinking carefully of what you are saying to me? Cadwell: Yes, madam, I have thought of it. I know all that I risk. I know that I lose Laura forever if you abuse the sincere declaration I am making to you. But I know that I cannot live and hide my feelings for you. Olivia: I've seen too much of you to believe you are sincere. Cadwell: Eh! What do my feelings say to you, madam, who cannot be convinced by the strongest passion that ever was experienced? Olivia: Don't you swear that all the time to Laura? Cadwell: Judge by the continual reproaches I receive from her. Olivia: But you deceive her then? Cadwell: Why, madam, don't you know how things are done? Don't you know that an uncle ordered me to attach myself to her, and that her great wealth put this project in his head. I was not then engaged elsewhere. I consented to all he wished. But I saw you, madam, and love made me neglect a very considerable fortune. Olivia: Ah, Cadwell. I don't know if all you tell me is true. But I am sure I wish at least-- Cadwell: (interrupting her and falling on his knees) Ah, madam! Permit me, I beg you, to throw myself at your feet. I conjure you in the name of the most lively tenderness of a passion which will never end to put me to the strongest test you can invent. Do you want Laura's letters? I abandon them to you. Do you want me never to see her again? I consent. Do you want me to smash her portrait before your eyes? I will do it. There's nothing I won't sacrifice. Command it! Olivia: I wish that you had never spoken. Cadwell: Had I offered you my first vows! I would still be faithful. Olivia: But Cadwell, what are you asking from me? Cadwell: That you love me, that you think it, and that you tell me--endlessly. Olivia: You will betray me. Cadwell: No, madam, never. Olivia: Put it in writing. Cadwell: In my blood if necessary. Olivia: You no longer love Laura? You will live eternally for me? You promise me this and your hand is ready to sign the declaration? Cadwell: Right now. Command me! Olivia: Don't forget then, Cadwell, to put in all that confirms your oaths. Cadwell: I am going to bring it to you, madam, while you in turn will give me proofs of your affection. Olivia: You will be content. Cadwell: That's enough. Olivia: I will wait for you. (Exit Cadwell) (Then, enter Jenny) Jenny: Well, madam? Olivia: Everything's going fine. And my brother--what's he doing?