SGAN. But he did not know your inclinations; and, from the uprightness
of his intentions, his love does not deserve...
ISA. Is it good intentions, I ask, to try and carry people off? Is it
like a man of honour to form designs for marrying me by force, and
taking me out of your hands? As if I were a girl to live after such a
disgrace!
SGAN. How?
ISA. Yes, yes, I have been informed that this base lover speaks of
carrying me off by force; for my part, I cannot tell by what secret
means he has learned so early that you intend to marry me in eight days
[Footnote: In the letter which Isabella writes to Val?re (see page 279),
she speaks of a marriage with which she is threatened in six days. This
is, I suppose, a pious fraud, to urge Val?re to make haste, for here she
mentions "eight days."]
at the latest, since it was only yesterday you told me so. But they say
that he intends to be beforehand with you, and not let me unite my lot
to yours.
SGAN. That is a bad case.
ISA. Oh, pardon me! He is eminently a gentleman, who only feels towards
me...
SGAN. He is wrong; and this is past joking.
ISA. Yes, your good nature encourages his folly. If you had spoken
sharply to him just now, he would have feared your rage and my
resentment; for even since his letter was rejected, he mentioned this
design which has shocked me. As I have been told, his love retains the
belief that it is well received by me; that I dread to marry you,
whatever people may think, and should be rejoiced to see myself away
from you.
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