“At or about that period, I think I remember you did; only, with regard to the subject of the conversation, I have quite forgotten it.”
Athos started, as he replied. “I shall have the honor to remind your majesty of it. It was with regard to a formal demand I had addressed to you respecting a marriage which M. de Bragelonne wished to contract with Mademoiselle de la Valliere.”
“Ah!” thought the king, “we have come to it now.—I remember,” he said, aloud.
“At that period,” pursued Athos, “your majesty was so kind and generous towards M. de Bragelonne and myself, that not a single word which then fell from your lips has escaped my memory; and, when I asked your majesty to accord me Mademoiselle de la Valliere’s hand for M. de Bragelonne, you refused.”
“Quite true,” said Louis, dryly.
“Alleging,” Athos hastened to say, “that the young lady had no position in society.”
Louis could hardly force himself to listen with an appearance of royal propriety.
“That,” added Athos, “she had but little fortune.”
The king threw himself back in his armchair.
“That her extraction was indifferent.”