"Madame, did you say ?" he remarked.
"Yes, Madame; she, too, is jealous," said La Valliere, with a marked tone of voice; and her eyes, so timorous in their expression, and so modestly fugitive in their glance, for a moment ventured to look inquiringly in the king's eyes.
"Still," returned Louis, making an effort over himself, "it seems to me that Madame has no reason, no right to be jealous of me." "Alas!" murmured La Valliere.
"Are you, too," said the king, almost in a tone of reproach, "are you among those who think the sister has a right to be jealous of the brother ?" "It is not for me, sire, to penetrate your majesty's secrets." "You do believe it, then ?" exclaimed the king.
"I do believe Madame is jealous, sire," La Valliere replied, firmly.
"Is it possible," said the king, with some anxiety, "that you have perceived it, then, from her conduct toward you?
Have her manners in any way been such toward you that you can attribute them to the jealousy you speak of ?" "Not at all, sire; I am of so little importance." "Oh! if it were really the case--" exclaimed Louis, violently.
"Sire," interrupted the young girl, "it has ceased raining; some one is coming, I think." And, forgetful of all etiquette, she had seized the king by the arm.
"Well," replied the king, "let them come.

Who is there who would venture to think I had done wrong in remaining alone with Mademoiselle de la Valliere ?" "For pity's sake, sire! they will think it strange to see you wet through in this manner, and that you should have run such risk for me." "I have simply done my duty as a gentleman," said Louis; "and woe to him who may fail in his, in criticising his sovereign's conduct." In fact, at this moment, a few eager and curious faces were seen in the walk, as if engaged in a search, and who, observing the king and La Valliere, seemed to have found what they were seeking.

They were some of the courtiers who had been sent by the queen and Madame, and who immediately uncovered themselves, in token of having perceived his majesty.

But Louis, notwithstanding La Valliere's confusion, did not quit his respectful and tender attitude.

Then, when all the courtiers were assembled in the walk--when every one had been able to perceive the mark of deference with which he had treated the young girl, by remaining standing and bareheaded during the storm--he offered her his arm, led her toward the group who were waiting, recognized by an inclination of the head the respectful salutations which were paid him on all sides; and, still holding his hat in his hand, he conducted her to her carriage.