"I swear to you," said the king, "that on no occasion has a bitter word ever passed her lips: I swear that, even in my wild bursts of passion, she would never allow me to menace any one; and I swear, too, that you do not possess a more devoted and respectful friend than she is."
"Friend!" said Madame, with an expression of supreme disdain.
"Take care, madame!" said the king: "you forget that you now understand me, and that from this moment everything is equalized. Mademoiselle de la Valliere will be whatever I may choose her to become; and to-morrow, if I were to determine to do so, I could seat her on a throne."
"She will not have been born to a throne, at least; and whatever you may do can affect the future alone, but cannot affect the past."
"Madame, toward you I have shown every kind consideration, and every eager desire to please you; do not remind me that I am master here."
"That is the second time, sire, that you have made that remark, and I have already informed you I am ready to submit."
"In that case, then, will you confer upon me the favor of receiving Mademoiselle de la Valliere back again?"
"For what purpose, sire, since you have a throne to bestow upon her? I am too insignificant to protect so exalted a personage."
"Nay; a truce to this bitter and disdainful spirit. Grant me her forgiveness."
"Never!"