"If I am almost a queen, I want to ask him when I shall be placed in the court."
"Presented formally?"
"It is not enough to reign in the night; I want to reign a little in the daytime."
"That is not the magician's business, but mine," said Louis, frowning at the conversation getting upon delicate ground. "Or rather yours, for all that is wanted is an introductress."
"Among the court prudes—all sold to Choiseul or Praslin?"
"Pray let us have no politics here."
"If I am not to speak, I shall act without speaking, and upset the ministers without any further notice."
At this juncture the maid Doris entered and spoke a word to her mistress.
"It is Chon, who comes from traveling and begs to present her respects to your majesty."
"Let us have Chon in, for I have missed something lately, and it may be her."