eflect--of course you do--the sooner you
begin, the better for me. I don't know what you think of me; but there
is no great mystery about me; you see what I am. Your brother told me
that my antecedents and occupations were against me; that your family
stands, somehow, on a higher level than I do. That is an idea which of
course I don't understand and don't accept. But you don't care anything
about that. I can assure you that I am a very solid fellow, and that if
I give my mind to it I can arrange things so that in a very few years I
shall not need to waste time in explaining who I am and what I am. You
will decide for yourself whether you like me or not. What there is
you see before you. I honestly believe I have no hidden vices or nasty
tricks. I am kind, kind, kind! Everything that a man can give a woman I
will give you. I have a large fortune, a very large fortune; some day,
if you will allow me, I will go into details. If you want brilliancy,
everything in the way of brilliancy that money can give you, you shall
have. And as regards anything you may give up, don't take for granted
too much that its place cannot be filled. Leave that to me; I'll take
care of you; I shall know what you need. Energy and ingenuity can
arrange everything. I'm a strong man! There, I have said what I had
on my heart! It was better to get it off. I am very sorry if it's
disagreeable to you; but think how much better it is that things should
be clear. Don't answer me now, if you don't wish it. Think about it,
think about it as slowly as you please. Of course I haven't said, I
can't say, half I mean, especially about my admiration for you. But take
a favorable view of me; it will only be just."

During this speech, the longest that Newman had ever made, Madame de
Cintre kept her gaze fixed upon him, and it expanded at the last into a
sort of fascinated stare. When he ceased speaking she lowered her eyes
and sat for some moments looking down and straight before her. Then she
slowly rose to her feet, and a pair of exceptionally keen eyes would
have perceived that she was trembling a little in the movement. She
still looked extremely serious. "I am very much obliged to you for
your offer," she said. "It seems very strange, but I am glad you
spoke without waiting any longer. It is better the subject should be
dismissed. I appreciate all you say; you do me great honor. But I have
decided not to marry."

"Oh, don't say that!" cried Newman, in a to