Madame guessed both his intention and the letter too.

It was difficult to prevent the king going wherever he pleased, and yet it was necessary to prevent his going near La Valliere, or speaking to her, as by so doing he could let the note fall into her lap behind her fan, or into her pocket-handkerchief.

The king, who was also on the watch, suspected that a snare was being laid for him.

He rose and pushed his chair, without affectation, near Mademoiselle de Chatillon, with whom he began to talk in a light tone.

They were amusing themselves making rhymes; from Mademoiselle de Chatillon he went to Montalais, and then to Mademoiselle de Tonnay-Charente.