“I would be very kind to you,” the Marquis said softly, “and we would be happy, very very happy together.”
“What are you saying?” Yola enquired.
“I am telling you that I love you,” the Marquis replied, “and I think you love me a little.”
He smiled as her eyes dropped before his.
“This is the first time you have been in love, my sweet, but let me tell you that you cannot fight against it. It is overwhelming, overpowering and there is no escape.”
“Is – is – that what you – feel?” Yola asked hesitatingly.
“I can tell you truthfully that I am deeply and overwhelmingly in love,” the Marquis answered. “And this is also the truth, Yola, it is different from anything I have ever felt in the past.”
He paused before he went on,
“I have thought myself to be in love a dozen times. I have told
