He lost no time; but the repast finished, and business matters settled, he took Saint-Aignan by the arm, and desired him to lead the way to La Valliere's apartments.

The courtier uttered an exclamation.
"Well, what is that for?
It is a habit you will have to adopt, and in order to adopt a habit, one must make a beginning." "Oh, sire!" said Saint-Aignan, "it is hardly possible: for every one can be seen entering or leaving those apartments.

If, however, some pretext or other were made use of--if your majesty, for instance, would wait until Madame were in her own apartments--" "No pretext; no delays.

I have had enough of these impediments and mysteries; I cannot perceive in what respect the king of France dishonors himself by conversing with an amiable and clever girl.

Evil be to him who evil thinks." "Will your majesty forgive an excess of zeal on my part ?" "Speak freely." "How about the queen ?" "True, true; I always wish the most entire respect to be shown to her majesty.