"The king?" I asked, more surprised still.
"No."
"With the Duc d'Orléans?"
"Yes."
My countenance fell. I desired to keep the revered and loyal friendship I had vowed to the duke pure from all motives of interest, so that he might be sure of the genuine nature of my attachment; accordingly, every time I was asked to obtain some favour from the prince royal it caused me real pain.
"The Duc d'Orléans!" I repeated. "What in the world do you want me to ask the Duc d'Orléans on your behalf, my dear Louët?"
"Some small post...."
"A small post!" I repeated, shrugging my shoulders.
"He surely will not refuse you it," Louët added.
"On the contrary, my friend, he will refuse it me, because I shall be the first to tell him to refuse my request."