“But, madam—”
“Nay, sir, answer without hesitation; I wish you to be candid, otherwise my exceeding frankness may displease you.”
“I know, madam,” replied the hypocrite, “that his majesty finds great pleasure in your charming society.”
“And yet, sir,” answered I, “his majesty experiences equal delight in the company of your wife. How answer you that, M. de Rumas?”
“My wife, madam!”
“Yes, sir, in the company of madame de Rumas; he pays her many private visits, secretly corresponds with her—”
“The confidence of his majesty must ever honor his subjects.”
“But,” replied I, quickly, “may dishonor a husband.”
“How, madam! What is it you would insinuate?”
“That your wife would fain supplant me, and that she is now the mistress of the king, although compelled to be such in secret.”