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The excerpt represents the core issue or deciding factor on which you must meditate, and is drawn from The Secrets of the Princesse de Cadignan by Honore de Balzac: that it may be allowed me to find in one strong heart a haven from
which I cannot be driven. Hitherto I have always considered self-
justification an insult to innocence; and that is why I have disdained
to defend myself. Besides, to whom could I appeal? Such cruel things
can be confided to none but God or to one who seems to us very near
Him--a priest, or another self. Well! I do know this, if my secrets
are not as safe there," she said, laying her hand on d'Arthez's heart,
"as they are here" (pressing the upper end of her busk beneath her
fingers), "then you are not the grand d'Arthez I think you--I shall
have been deceived."
A tear moistened d'Arthez's eyes, and Diane drank it in with a side
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