This
is what I wanted to say to you, why I wanted to know who your friend
was. Will you help me to get at the bottom of things? We are both
concerned; the result will mean all or nothing to you and me. Ah,
believe me, but you are a favored mortal. The friendship of the one,
and the love of the other! No; do not look angry. With all my sins,
it cannot be said that I lack frankness and truthfulness. You love the
Princess Hildegarde; I offer you an equal chance to win her. Is not
that remarkable good nature? Till the affair is settled my marriage is
postponed. Now, to our personal affair. You cannot blame me if I give
you all my honest hatred. I am at your service, after, of course, the
respective positions of the Princesses are assured. I should take more
pleasure in shooting you, or running a sword through your body, than I
took in the affair with your friend. His courage was truly admirable.
I had nothing against him. But you have grievously wounded my
self-love; we forgive all wrongs but that. I warn you that the affair
will not be conducted after the French mode.
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