It was on such occasions that Saint-Aignan came to the rescue, and recited verses, or repeated one of those little tales such as Patru related, and Tallemant des Reaux wrote so cleverly.

Or, it might be that La Valliere was fatigued, and the sitting was, therefore, suspended for awhile; and, immediately, a tray of precious porcelain laden with the most beautiful fruits which could be obtained, and rich wines distilling their bright colors in silver goblets, beautifully chased, served as accessories to the picture of which the painter could but retrace the most ephemeral resemblance.
Louis was intoxicated with love, La Valliere with happiness, Saint-Aignan with ambition, and the painter was storing up recollections for his old age.

Two hours passed away in this manner, and four o'clock having struck, La Valliere rose, and made a sign to the king.

Louis also rose, approached the picture, and addressed a few flattering remarks to the painter.

Saint-Aignan also praised the picture, which, as he pretended, was already beginning to assume an accurate resemblance.