"In a word, Mme. la Marquise has been listening!" said Pompadour, with a sneer.
"I did not listen," said Lydie quietly. "I only heard."
"Then you know?" said Louis, with well-assumed indifference.
"Oh, yes!"
She smiled at him as she replied. This was apparently a day of surprises, for the smile seemed distinctly encouraging.
"And—and what do you say?" asked his Majesty somewhat anxiously, yet emboldened by that encouraging smile.
Of a truth! was he about to find an ally there, where he expected most bitter opposition?
"Meseems that milor was somewhat hasty," replied Lydie quietly.
"Ah!"
It was a sigh of intense, deep, heartfelt, satisfaction breathed by Louis the Well-beloved, and unrestrainedly echoed by Mme. de Pompadour.