VISC. (_after he has read the note to himself_). This note is
written in the most fashionable style, Madam, and is worthy of all
your attention. (_Reads aloud_) "Madam, I could not have made you
the present I send you if my garden did not bring me more fruit than
my love...."

COUN. You see clearly by this that nothing has taken place between us.

VISC. "The pears are not quite ripe yet, but they will all the better
match the hardness of your heart, the continued disdain of which
promises me nothing soft and sweet. Allow me, Madam, without risking
an enumeration of your charms, which would be endless, to conclude
with begging you to consider that I am as good a Christian as the
pears which I send you, [Footnote: They were pears 'de bon chretien.'
'Choke-pears' renders rather weakly the _poires d'angoisse_ of
Mr. Thibaudier.] for I render good for evil; which is to say, to
explain myself more plainly, that I present you with good Christian
pears in return for the choke-pears which your cruelty makes me
swallow every day.
Your unworthy slave,
THIBAUDIER."

Madam, this letter is worth keeping.

COUN. There may be a few words in it that are not of the Academy, but
I observe in it a certain respect which pleases me greatly.

JU. You are right, Madam, and even if the viscount were to take it
amiss, I should love a man who would write so to me.