--Well, I came here on
purpose to preach to you; yes, you are the cause of my appearance in
this house, which stinks of the lower class. Have I not just seen
actors here? Formerly, my dear, we received them in our boudoir; but
in the drawing-room--never!--Why do you look at me with so much
amazement? Listen to me. If you want to play with men, do not try to
wring the hearts of any but those whose life is not yet settled, who
have no duties to fulfil; the others do not forgive us for the errors
that have made them happy. Profit by this maxim, founded on my long
experience.--That luckless Soulanges, for instance, whose head you
have turned, whom you have intoxicated for these fifteen months past,
God knows how! Do you know at what you have struck?--At his whole
life. He has been married these two years; he is worshiped by a
charming wife, whom he loves, but neglects; she lives in tears and
embittered silence. Soulanges has had hours of remorse more terrible
than his pleasure has been sweet. And you, you artful little thing,
have deserted him.
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