“Ah, no, brother, I thank you for trying to reassure me, but I feel that it is against me these precautions are taken.”
“Impossible, sister! the king has too much esteem——”
“Meanwhile, I am left at the door, and to-morrow a frightful scandal will be the result. I know well I have an enemy near the king.”
“It is possible; however, I have an idea.”
“What? only be quick. If you can but save us from the ridicule of this position, it is all I care for.”
“Oh, I will save you; I am not more foolish than he, for all his learning.”
“Than whom?”
“Ah, pardieu, the Comte de Provence.”
“Ah, then, you also know my enemy.”
“Is he not the enemy of all that are young and beautiful, of all who are better than himself?”