"I should prefer to kill him," said La Mole; "that is shorter and surer."
"And I, my brave gentleman," said the queen, "I prefer him to live, and for you to know everything, for not only is his life useful to us, but it is necessary. Listen and weigh your words well before you answer. Do you love me enough, La Mole, to be glad if I were really to become a queen; that is, queen of a real kingdom?"
"Alas, madame, I love you enough to wish what you wish, even should this desire ruin my whole life!"
"Well, do you want to aid me to realize this desire, which would make you still happier?"
"Oh! I should lose you, madame," cried La Mole hiding his head in his hands.
"No, on the contrary. Instead of being the first of my servants, you would become the first of my subjects, that is all."
"Oh! no interest—no ambition, madame—do not sully the feeling I have for you—the devotion, nothing but devotion!"
"Noble nature!" said Marguerite; "well, yes, I accept your devotion, and I shall find out how to reward it."
She extended both her hands, and La Mole covered them with kisses.
"Well!" said she.