“Of everything. I beg you to understand that clearly.”
Manicamp began to laugh, which almost exasperated the princess, who was not, as we know, of a very patient disposition.
“Madame,” resumed the discreet Manicamp, saluting the princess, “let us bury this affair altogether in forgetfulness, for it will probably never be quite cleared up.”
“Oh, as far as that goes there is nothing more to do, and the information is complete. The king will learn that M. de Guiche has taken up the cause of this little adventuress, who gives herself all the airs of a grand lady; he will learn that Monsieur de Bragelonne, having nominated his friend M. de Guiche his guardian-in-ordinary, the latter immediately fastened, as he was required to do, upon the Marquis de Wardes, who ventured to trench upon his privileges. Moreover, you cannot pretend to deny, Monsieur Manicamp—you who know everything so well—that the king on his side casts a longing eye upon this famous treasure, and that he will bear no slight grudge against M. de Guiche for constituting himself its defender. Are you sufficiently well informed now, or do you require anything further? If so, speak, monsieur.”
“No, Madame, there is nothing more I wish to know.”
“Learn, however—for you ought to know it, Monsieur de Manicamp—learn that his majesty’s indignation will be followed by terrible consequences. In princes of a similar temperament to that of his majesty, the passion which jealousy causes sweeps down like a whirlwind.”
“Which you will temper, Madame.”
“I!” exclaimed the princess, with a gesture of indescribable irony; “I! and by what title, may I ask?”
“Because you detest injustice, Madame.”
“And according to your account, then, it would be an injustice to prevent the king arranging his love affairs as he pleases.”