“But I tell you that the king offered it to her.”
“And I tell you that women like best those presents that come from people from whom they are not forced to accept them.”
“I do not understand you.”
“Well, never mind; and, after all, what does it matter to you, since you cannot have it?”
“Oh, if I were king and you were queen, I would force you to have it.”
“Well, without being king, oblige the queen to have it, and see if she is angry, as you suppose she would be.”
The cardinal looked at her with wonder.
“You are sure,” said he, “that you are not deceived, and that the queen wishes for it?”
“Intensely. Listen, dear prince. Did you tell me, or where did I hear it, that you would like to be minister?”
“You may have heard me say so, countess.”