Friendships live and thrive upon a system of reciprocal benefits." "The result is, then, that you will remain at the same time Madame's friend also ?" "Evidently.

Do you complain of that ?" "I hardly know," sighed La Valliere, thoughtfully, for this cynical frankness appeared to her an offense both to the woman and the friend.
"All well and good, then," said Montalais, "for if you did, you would be very foolish." "You wish to serve me, then ?" "Devotedly--if you will serve me in return." "One would almost say that you do not know my heart," said La Valliere, looking at Montalais with her eyes wide open.
"Why, the fact is, that since we have belonged to the court, my dear Louise, we are very much changed." "In what way ?" "It is very simple.

Were you the second queen of France yonder, at Blois ?" La Valliere hung down her head, and began to weep.

Montalais looked at her in an indefinable manner, and murmured "Poor girl!" and then, adding, "Poor king!" she kissed Louise on the forehead, and returned to her apartment, where Malicorne was waiting for her..