Axel. You won't share any more confidences with me? (Takes her
hand.) You used to--

Mathilde (drawing back her hand and moving away from him).
Yes, I used to.

Axel. Why won't you any longer? (Goes up to her.) What is
changed?

Mathilde. You. You are married now.

Axel. No, that is just what I am not.

Mathilde. Indeed.

Axel. You have sharp eyes. You must have seen that.

Mathilde. I thought it was all just as you wished.

Axel. You are giving me very abrupt answers. Have I offended
you?

Mathilde. What makes you ask that?

Axel. Because lately you have avoided me. Remember how kind
you were to me once--indeed, that I owe you everything. It was
through you, you know, that I got at her. I had to make
assignations with you, in order to meet her. I had to offer you
my arm so as to be able to give her the other, and to talk to you