Monsieur de Cleves nevertheless used his utmost endeavours to know it;
and having urged her very much on the subject; "I think," answered she,
"that you ought to be satisfied with my sincerity; ask me no more about
it, and don't give me cause to repent of what I have done; content
yourself with the assurance which I once more give you, that my
sentiments have never appeared by any of my actions, and that no
address hath been made to me that could give me offence." "Ah! Madam,"
replied Monsieur de Cleves on a sudden, "I cannot believe it; I
remember the confusion you was in when your picture was lost; you have
given away, Madam, you have given away that picture, which was so dear
to me, and which I had so just a right to; you have not been able to
conceal your inclinations, you are in love; it is known; your virtue
has hitherto saved you from the rest."
"Is it possible," cried Madam
de Cleves, "you can imagine there was any reserve or disguise in a
confession like mine, which I was no way obliged to? Take my word, I
purchase dearly the confidence I desire of you; I conjure you to
believe I have not given away my picture; it is true, I saw it taken,
but I would not seem to see it, for fear of subjecting myself to hear
such things as no one has yet dared to mention to me." "How do you
know then that you are loved," said Monsieur de Cleves? "What mark,
what proof of it has been given you?" "Spare me the pain," replied
she, "of repeating to you circumstances which I am ashamed to have
observed, and which have convinced me but too much of my own weakness."
"You are in the right, Madam," answered he, "I am unjust; always refuse
me when I ask you such things, and yet don't be angry with me for
asking them."
Just then several of the servants, who had stayed in the walks, came to
acquaint Monsieur de Cleves, that a gentleman was arrived from the
King, with orders for him to be at Paris that evening. Monsieur de
Cleves was obliged to go, and had only time to tell his wife that he
desired her to come to Paris the next day; and that he conjured her to
believe, that however afflicted he was, he had a tenderness and esteem
for her, with which she ought to be satisfied.