“In that case, then, you will confer upon me the favor of receiving Mademoiselle de la Valliere back again.”
“For what purpose, sire, since you have a throne to bestow upon her? I am too insignificant to protect so exalted a personage.”
“Nay, a truce to this bitter and disdainful spirit. Grant me her forgiveness.”
“Never!”
“You drive me, then, to open warfare in my own family.”
“I, too, have a family with whom I can find refuge.”
“Do you mean that as a threat, and could you forget yourself so far? Do you believe that, if you push the affront to that extent, your family would encourage you?”
“I hope, sire, that you will not force me to take any step which would be unworthy of my rank.”
“I hoped that you would remember our recent friendship, and that you would treat me as a brother.”
Madame paused for a moment. “I do not disown you for a brother,” she said, “in refusing your majesty an injustice.”