"The storm is about to burst," thought he.
"Sire," said Marguerite, "I much regret that your majesty has forgotten your Latin."
"Madame, of all the Latin I learned, I remember but one phrase—'Deus et virtus oeterna'—a singular assemblage of masculine, feminine, and neuter."
"Because, sire, if you did understand, you would see in the letter many compliments to me."
"But how could compliments embroil us, madame? For as long as your brother pays you compliments, I shall agree with him; if he speaks ill of you, I shall understand his policy."
"Ah! if he spoke ill of me, you would understand it?"
"Yes; he has reasons for embroiling us, which I know well."
"Well, then, sire, these compliments are only an insinuating prelude to calumnious accusations against your friends and mine."
"Come, ma mie, you have understood badly; let me hear if all this be in the letter."
Marguerite looked defiant.