"Not at all; they are M. de Saint-Aignan's."
"Are you sure?" cried La Valliere; and this exclamation which escaped from the young girl's joyous heart made the king's heart throb with delight.
"Yes, to Saint-Aignan, our friend," he said.
"But, sire," returned La Valliere, "I cannot visit M. de Saint-Aignan's rooms any more than I could M. de Guiche's. It is impossible—impossible."
"And yet, Louise, I should have thought that under the safeguard of the king you could venture anything."
"Under the safeguard of the king," she said, with a look full of tenderness.
"You have faith in my word, I hope, Louise."
"Yes, sire, when you are not present; but when you are present—when you speak to me—when I look upon you, I have faith in nothing."
"What can possibly be done to reassure you?"
"It is scarcely respectful, I know, to doubt the king, but you are not the king for me."