To this the king answered that it was perfectly just that a person should be unhappy when she rendered others so.

Whereupon Malicorne explained how matters stood; for he had received his directions from Montalais.

The king began to open his eyes; he remarked that, as soon as he made his appearance, Madame made hers too; that she remained in the corridors until after he had left; that she accompanied him back to his own apartments, fearing that he might speak in the ante-chambers to one of her maids of honor.

One evening she went further still.

The king was seated, surrounded by the ladies who were present, and holding in his hand, concealed by his lace ruffle, a small note which he wished to slip into La Valliere's hand.