Monsieur hesitated.

The Chevalier de Lorraine advanced and continued the conversation.
"Madame," he said, "De Wardes knows perfectly well that for a Buckingham's heart to be touched is nothing new, and what he has said has already taken place." "Instead of an ally, I have two enemies," murmured Madame; "two determined enemies, and in league with each other." And she changed the conversation.

To change the conversation is, as every one knows, a right possessed by princes which etiquette requires all to respect.

The remainder of the conversation was moderate enough in tone; the principal actors had rehearsed their parts.

Madame withdrew easily, and Monsieur, who wished to question her on several matters, offered her his hand on leaving.