“It is very lucky,” I exclaimed, “that I have for you only feelings of friendship; otherwise it would be very hard to pass the night without giving way to the temptation of bestowing upon you proofs of my affection, for you are both so lovely, so bewitching, that you would turn the brains of any man.” As I went on talking, I pretended to be somewhat sleepy; Nanette being the first to notice it, said, “Go to bed without any ceremony, we will lie down on the sofa in the adjoining room.” “I would be a very poor-spirited fellow indeed, if I agreed to this; let us talk; my sleepiness will soon pass off, but I am anxious about you. Go to bed yourselves, my charming friends, and I will go into the next room. If you are afraid of me, lock the door, but you would do me an injustice, for I feel only a brother’s yearnings towards you.” “We cannot accept such an arrangement,” said Nanette, “but let me persuade you; take this bed.” “I cannot sleep with my clothes on.” “Undress yourself; we will not look at you.” “I have no fear of it, but how could I find the heart to sleep, while on my account you are compelled to sit up?” “Well,” said Marton, “we can lie down, too, without undressing.” “If you shew me such distrust, you will offend me. Tell me, Nanette, do you think I am an honest man?” “Most certainly.” “Well, then, give me a proof of your good opinion; lie down near me in the bed, undressed, and rely on my word of honour that I will not even lay a finger upon you. Besides, you are two against one, what can you fear? Will you not be free to get out of the bed in case I should not keep quiet? In short, unless you consent to give me this mark of your confidence in me, at least when I have fallen asleep, I cannot go to bed.”