Sartines bowed, smiling, but bit his lips at the same time.
"How delightful you are, sire," said the countess. "I adore you, France!" she whispered in the royal ear, and set him smiling.
"Well, what do you desire for Zamore?"
"Recompense for his long service——"
"He is only twelve years old!"
"You will be paying him in advance; that is a good way of not being treated with ingratitude."
"Capital idea! What do you think, Sartines?" asked the king.
"I support it, as all devoted subjects will gain by it."
"Well, sire, I want Zamore to be appointed governor of my summer residence, Luciennes, which shall be created a royal place."