By the by, I am informed that you are affianced; is it the case ?" La Valliere pressed her hand over her heart, which was wrung with a fresh pang.
"Answer when you are spoken to!" "Yes, madame." "To a gentleman ?" "Yes, madame." "His name ?" "The Vicomte de Bragelonne." "Are you aware that it is an exceedingly fortunate circumstance for you, mademoiselle, that such is the case, and without fortune or position, as you are, or without any very great personal advantages, you ought to bless Heaven for having procured you such a future as seems to be in store for you ?" La Valliere did not reply.

"Where is the Vicomte de Bragelonne ?" pursued the queen.
"In England," said Madame, "where the report of this young lady's success will not fail to reach him." "Oh, Heaven!" murmured La Valliere in despair.
"Very well, mademoiselle!" said Anne of Austria, "we will get this young gentleman to return, and send you away somewhere with him.

If you are of a different opinion--for girls have strange views and fancies at times--trust to me, I will put you in a proper path again.

I have done as much for girls who are not as good as you are, probably." La Valliere ceased to hear the queen, who pitilessly added: "I will send you somewhere, by yourself, where you will be able to indulge in a little serious reflection.

Reflection calms the ardor of the blood, and swallows up the illusions of youth.