I shall bless your majesty all my life, and I shall die there thanking and loving Heaven for having granted me one day of perfect happiness." "No, no," replied the king, "you will live here blessing Heaven, on the contrary, but loving Louis, who will make your existence one of perfect felicity--Louis who loves you--Louis who swears it." "Oh! sire, sire!" And upon this doubt of La Valliere, the king's kisses became so warm that Saint-Aignan thought it his duty to retire behind the tapestry.
These kisses however, which she had not had the strength at first to resist, began to intimidate the young girl.
"Oh! sire," she exclaimed, "do not make me repent my loyalty, for it would show me that your majesty despises me still." "Mademoiselle de la Valliere," said the king, suddenly, drawing back with an air full of respect, "there is nothing in the world that I love and honor more than yourself, and nothing in my court, I call Heaven to witness, shall be so highly regarded as you shall be henceforward.

I entreat your forgiveness for my transport; it arose from an excess of affection, but I can prove to you that I shall love still more than ever by respecting you as much as you can possibly desire." Then bending before her, and taking her by the hand, he said to her, "Will you honor me by accepting the kiss I press upon your hand ?" And the king's lips were pressed respectfully and lightly upon the young girl's trembling hand.

"Henceforth," added Louis, rising and bending his glance upon La Valliere, "henceforth you are under my safeguard.

Do not speak to any one of the injury I have done you, forgive others that which they may have been able to do you.

For the future you shall be so far above all those, that, far from inspiring you with fear, they shall be even beneath your pity." And he bowed as reverently as though he were leaving a place of worship.