“Yes, monseigneur; but I have not pursued my plans with any repugnance—the road has been a pleasant one.”
“You are an amiable woman, countess, and it is a pleasure to discuss business with you. You have guessed rightly that I have a respectful attachment towards a certain person.”
“I saw it at the Opera ball,” she said.
“I know well that this affection will never be returned.”
“Oh, a queen is only a woman, and you are surely equal to Cardinal Mazarin.”
“He was a very handsome man,” said M. de Rohan, laughing.
“And an excellent minister,” said Jeanne.
“Countess, it is superfluous trouble to talk to you; you guess and know everything. Yes, I do wish to become prime minister. Everything entitles me to it—my birth, my knowledge of business, my standing with foreign courts, and the affection which is felt for me by the French people.”
“There is but one obstacle,” said Jeanne.
“An antipathy.”