"At thy most exquisite feet, my lady!"
Delighted, she gave him her hand to kiss.
"And where have you been this long while, vaurien?"
Philip kissed the tips of her fingers, one by one.
"Languishing in outer darkness, chérie."
"The darkness of the Court!" laughed the Comte de Saint-Dantin. "Philippe, I know you for a rogue and a trifler!"
Philip looked up, still holding Mademoiselle's hand.
"Someone has maligned me. Of what am I accused?"
Mademoiselle rapped his knuckles with her fan.
"Voyons! Have you finished with my hand?"