I hated this place before as a prison, but since you were here, your spirit seems to haunt these walls. There is nowhere I would rather be now. How puzzling love is! Greater than storms and wealth and science and wars— When I lived in this house, I never gave a thought to love. I was above such weak fancies. I did not love Agnes. I only desired her beauty and her power—but you know all my shameful secrets. You forgive everything. My parents loved me, but I was impatient with their rules and conventions. I never stopped to find out what kind of people they really were. My father was busy with his lands, his horses and dogs. My mother was beautiful, but I never saw beyond her beauty. I never asked myself whether they truly loved each other, or if they needed each other, or how they spoke to each other when they were alone. Did they ever feel like I feel about you? Would my father have laid down his life for my mother as I will lay down my life for you? I will do this. I will fade and wither, so that you can live.
