"Oh, duchesse!"
"You have it already, perhaps?" she said.
"No, upon my honor."
"Very well, then, I can render you that service."
"Why did you not render the same service to M. de Laicques, duchesse? He is a very talented man, and one you love, besides."
"Yes, no doubt; but, at all events, putting Laicques aside, will you have it?"
"No, I thank you, duchesse."
She paused. "He is nominated," she thought; and then resumed aloud, "If you refuse me in this manner, it is not very encouraging for me, supposing I should have something to ask of you."
"Oh! ask, pray ask."
"Ask! I cannot do so, if you have not the power to grant what I want."