“Yet I can see no other person, with whom one can possibly have adventures. Was it before, was it after my marriage? Answer me then, impertinent.”

“ Ah, madam, spare invectives, if you please. Compel not the best of your friends to take some disagreeable steps. ”

“Speak, my dear, tell, tell all. I value your services as little as I fear your indiscretion. Explain yourself: I not only give you full permission, but even dare you to it.”

“ To what do you reduce me, Ismene? ” said the Toy, breathing a deep sigh.

“To render justice to virtue.”