sentiments of Mademoiselle de Chartres did not exceed those of
esteem and respect, and he could not flatter himself that she
concealed more obliging thoughts of him, since the situation they
were in permitted her to discover them without the least violence
done to modesty. It was not long before he expostulated with her
on this subject: "Is it possible," says he, "that I should
not be happy in marrying you? and yet it is certain, I am not.
You only show me a sort of civility which is far from giving me
satisfaction; you express none of those pretty inquietudes, the
concern, and impatience, which are the soul of love; you are no
further affected with my passion, than you would be with one
which flowed only from the advantage of your fortune, and not
from the beauty of your person." "It is unjust in you to
complain," replied the Princess, "I don't know what you can
desire of me more; I think decency will not allow me to go
further than I do." "It's true," replied he, "you show some
appearances I should be satisfied with, were there anything
beyond; but instead of being restrained by decency, it is that
only which makes you act as you do; I am not in your heart and
inclinations, and my presence neither gives you pain nor
pleasure." "You can't doubt," replied she, "but it is a
sensible pleasure to me to see you, and when I do see you, I
blush so often, that you can't doubt, but the seeing you gives me
pain also." "Your blushes, Madam," replied he, "cannot
deceive me; they are signs of modesty, but do not prove the heart
to be affected, and I shall conclude nothing more from hence than
what I ought."

Mademoiselle de Chartres did not know what to answer; these
distinctions were above her comprehension. The Prince of Cleves