“You alarm me.”
“Bah! that is because you have not guessed, then.”
“What did the king say to you? In the name of our friendship, do not deceive me.”
“The king has not said one word to me.”
“You are killing me with impatience, D’Herblay. Am I still superintendent?”
“As long as you like.”
“But what extraordinary empire have you so suddenly acquired over his majesty’s mind?”
“Ah! that’s the point.”
“He does your bidding?”
“I believe so.”