“Oh,” cried the queen, laughing, “how disinterested you are.”
“Sister,” said he, “you must want money; I offer you half of what I am going to receive.”
“Oh no, brother, keep it for yourself; I thank you, but I want nothing just now.”
“Diable! do not wait too long to claim my promise, because if you do, I may not be in a condition to fulfil it.”
“In that case I must endeavor to find out some state secret for myself.”
“Sister, you begin to look cold.”
“Well, here is M. de Taverney returning with my sledge.”
“Then you do not want me any longer?”
“No.”
“Then send me away, I beg.”