And I intend that ladies shall be respected at my court, and that quarrels shall be put a stop to altogether." Manicamp bowed.
"And now, Monsieur de Manicamp," continued the king, "what was said about Mademoiselle de la Valliere ?" "Cannot your majesty guess ?" "I ?" "Your majesty can imagine the character of the jest in which young men permit themselves to indulge." "They very probably said that she was in love with some one ?" the king ventured to remark.
"Probably so." "But Mademoiselle de la Valliere has a perfect right to love any one she pleases," said the king.
"That is the very point De Guiche maintained." "And on account of which he fought, do you mean ?" "Yes, sire, the sole and only cause." The king colored.

"And you do not know anything more, then ?" "In what respect, sire ?" "In the very interesting respect which you are now referring to." "What does your majesty wish to know ?" "Why, the name of the man with whom La Valliere is in love, and whom De Guiche's adversary disputed her right to love." "Sire, I know nothing--I have heard nothing--and have learnt nothing, even accidentally; but De Guiche is a noble-hearted fellow, and if, momentarily, he substituted himself in the place or stead of La Valliere's protector, it was because that protector was himself of too exalted a position to undertake her defense." These words were more than transparent; they made the king blush, but this time with pleasure.

He struck Manicamp gently on the shoulder.
"Well, well, Monsieur de Manicamp, you are not only a ready, witty fellow, but a brave gentleman besides, and your friend De Guiche is a paladin quite after my own heart; you will express that to him from me." "Your majesty forgives me, then ?" "Completely." "And I am free ?" The king smiled and held out his hand to Manicamp, which he took and kissed respectfully.

"And then," added the king, "you relate stories so charmingly." "I, sire!" "You told me in the most admirable manner the particulars of the accident which happened to Guiche.

I can see the wild boar rushing out of the wood--I can see the horse fall down fighting with his head, and the boar rush from the horse to the rider.