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have set for us… you make me blush for myself!"
I attempted to defend myself, but she went on:
"Oh sir, you must know that a woman never pardons a man who discovers her weaknesses." I retorted as well as I could that she had inspired a most unhappy passion in my breast, that her coldness had maddened me, and that I could not help it.
"Besides," I added, "can you think for a moment, Gamiani, that I would ever take advantage of a secret that I have discovered more by chance than by design. As long as I live I cannot forget the great pleasures we have known together, but shall always keep the secret to myself. If you think I am to blame, you have only to think that I was frantic with the sight before me, and that I shall only keep the memory of the pleasure that we have enjoyed, and can enjoy again together."
Turning to Fanny, while the Countess turned her head away, and pretended to be very ashamed…
"Mademoiselle, shed no tears for the pleasure you have experienced. Oh! think only of the sweet and happy moments we
