What a blessed thought of mine, which will silence their tongues forever! When it is ready they may know, but not before.

To your room, then, dearest of friends and truest of women! When we meet again, it will be to form a bond which all this court and all this kingdom shall not be able to loose." The king was all on fire with the excitement of this new resolution.
He had lost his air of doubt and discontent, and he paced swiftly about the room with a smiling face and shining eyes.

Then he touched a small gold bell, which summoned Bontems, his private body-servant.
"What o'clock is it, Bontems ?" "It is nearly six, sire." "Hum!" The king considered for some moments.

"Do you know where Captain de Catinat is, Bontems ?" "He was in the grounds, sire, but I heard that he would ride back to Paris to-night." "Does he ride alone ?" "He has one friend with him." "Who is this friend?
An officer of the guards ?" "No, sire; it is a stranger from over the seas, from America, as I understand, who has stayed with him of late, and to whom Monsieur de Catinat has been showing the wonders of your Majesty's palace." "A stranger! So much the better.

Go, Bontems, and bring them both to me." "I trust that they have not started, sire.