'Come, M.de Bruhl,' he cried, 'perhaps you will finish the tale for us ?' And he threw himself back in his chair, a sneer on his lips.
'Or why not Madame de Bruhl ?' said the duchess, with her head on one side and her eyes glittering over her fan.

'Madame would, I am sure, tell it so well.' But madame only shook her head, smiling always that forced smile.

For Bruhl himself, glaring from face to face like a bull about to charge, I have never seen a man more out of countenance, or more completely brought to bay.

His discomposure, exposed as he was to the ridicule of all present, was such that the presence in which he stood scarcely hindered him from some violent attack; and his eyes, which had wandered from me at the king's word, presently returning to me again, he so far forgot himself as to raise his hand furiously, uttering at the same time a savage oath.
The king cried out angrily, 'Have a care, sir!' But Bruhl only heeded this so far as to thrust aside those who stood round him and push his way hurriedly through the circle.
'Arnidieu!' cried the king, when he was gone.

'This is fine conduct! I have half a mind to send after him and have him put where his hot blood would cool a little.