The unhappy Saint-Aignan, who had not displayed a very great amount of courage in taking La Valliere's part in the park of Fontainebleau, did not feel any braver in the broad day-light, and found a thousand defects in the poor girl which he was most eager to communicate to the king.

But his trial soon finished,--the courtyards were crossed; not a curtain was drawn aside, nor a window opened.

The king walked hastily, because of his impatience, and the long legs of Saint-Aignan, who preceded him.

At the door, however, Saint-Aignan wished to retire, but the king desired him to remain; a delicate consideration, on the king's part, which the courtier could very well have dispensed with.

He had to follow Louis into La Valliere's apartment.