“She!”
“You may possibly be deceived, sire, but I know her right well; she is capable of creating dispute and misunderstanding between the most affectionate relatives and the most intimate friends. You see that she has already sown discord betwixt us two.”
“I do assure you—” said the king.
“Sire, look well into the case as it stands; we were living on the most friendly understanding, and by the artfulness of her tales and complaints, she has set your majesty against me.”
“I swear to you,” said the king, “that on no occasion has a bitter word ever passed her lips; I swear that, even in my wildest bursts of passion, she would not allow me to menace any one; and I swear, too, that you do not possess a more devoted and respectful friend than she is.”
“Friend!” said Madame, with an expression of supreme disdain.
“Take care, Madame!” said the king; “you forget that you now understand me, and that from this moment everything is equalized. Mademoiselle de la Valliere will be whatever I may choose her to become; and to-morrow, if I were determined to do so, I could seat her on a throne.”
“She was not born to a throne, at least, and whatever you may do can affect the future alone, but cannot affect the past.”
“Madame, towards you I have shown every kind consideration, and every eager desire to please you; do not remind me that I am master.”
“It is the second time, sire, that you have made that remark, and I have already informed you I am ready to submit.”