Do not be frightened. You see how dangerous it is to irritate me.
After one of my moods I am unbearable. I will give you three days to
think the matter over. If you do not wish to come, write me then (she
laughs sadly). Only I warn you, that if you will neither come nor
write me, I will tell every one that you are afraid of me, and so
I will satisfy my self-love. In the mean time, for the sake of my
nerves, you must not tell, me that you refuse my request. I am a
little bit ill--consequently capricious.

Leon.--In three days you shall have my answer (rising), and now I will
say good-bye.

Jadwiga.--Wait a moment. This is not so easy as you think. Truly, I
would think you are afraid of me. It is true that they say I am a
coquette, a flirt. I know they talk very badly about me. Besides we
are good acquaintances, who have not seen each other for two years.
Let us then talk a little. Let me take your hat. Yes, that is it!
Now let us talk. I am sure we may become friends again. As for me at
least--what do you intend to do in the future besides painting my
portrait?

Leon.--The conversation about me would not last long. Let us
take another more interesting subject. You had better talk about
yourself--about your life, your family.

Jadwiga.--As for my husband, he is, as usual, in Chantilly. My mother
is dead! Poor mama! She was so fond of you--she loved you very much
(after a pause). In fact, as you see, I have grown old and changed
greatly.