"Then, sire," said Marguerite, who now believed that she had to confer instead of asking a pardon; "then, sire, I do not know what you want; and wait for you to explain."
"Well, then, ma mie, I will tell you. I wish you—but it is asking a great deal."
"Speak on, sire."
"To have the goodness to go to Fosseuse."
"I go to visit this girl whom every one says has the honor of being your mistress; a thing which you do not deny."
"Gently, gently, ma mie. On my word you will make a scandal with your exclamations; and really I believe that will rejoice the court of France, for in the letter from my brother-in-law that Chicot repeated to me, there was these words, 'Quotidie scandalurn,' which must mean 'daily scandal.' It is not necessary to know Latin to understand that: it is almost French."
"But, sire, to whom did these words apply?"
"Ah! that is what I want to know, but you, who know Latin, can help me to find out."
Marguerite colored up to her ears.
"Well, monsieur," said she, "you wish me to take a humiliating step for the sake of peace, and therefore I will comply."