“In that case, permit me to assure you, Monsieur de Manicamp, it only proves one thing, which is, that his majesty is very easily satisfied.”
“I think your highness is mistaken in arriving at such an opinion; his majesty is well known not to be contented except with very good reason.”
“And do you suppose that he will thank you for your officious falsehood, when he will learn to-morrow that M. de Guiche had, on behalf of his friend M. de Bragelonne, a quarrel which ended in a hostile meeting?”
“A quarrel on M. de Bragelonne’s account,” said Manicamp, with the most innocent expression in the world; “what does your royal highness do me the honor to tell me?”
“What is there astonishing in that? M. de Guiche is susceptible, irritable, and easily loses his temper.”
“On the contrary, Madame, I know M. de Guiche to be very patient, and never susceptible or irritable except upon very good grounds.”
“But is not friendship a just ground?” said the princess.
“Oh, certainly, Madame; and particularly for a heart like his.”
“Very good; you will not deny, I suppose, that M. de Bragelonne is M. de Guiche’s good friend?”
“A great friend.”