Monsieur de Noirétable. Oh! yes, Madame, I have admired it, and I do, as also her hairdresser and her shoemaker. Am I not at Court?
Madame d'Escurolles. But they say it is at Court that she is least admired?
Monsieur de Noirétable (shocked). I would not presume to say that! God forbid! From what I have heard in the street I would say she was least admired in Paris, or, perhaps—(musing)—perhaps in the village of Louveciennes ... nay, I have forgotten St. Cloud. St. Cloud would run Louveciennes hard.
Madame d'Escurolles. I have do doubt these names are well known in Versailles.
Monsieur de Noirétable. Madame, Versailles knows everything and everybody, because Versailles is the Queen. For myself, after many years in the full view of Versailles and taking my money from Versailles, yet I cannot say I like Versailles.
Madame d'Escurolles (innocently). And why not, sir?
Monsieur de Noirétable (looking vaguely at the distant candles and speaking as vaguely). Upon my soul I cannot say!... It may be that Versailles is too frank or perhaps there is too much poise about it ... it is certainly majestic.
Madame d'Escurolles (as though merely to continue). It must compare well with poor Compiègne!
Monsieur de Noirétable (ceasing to look at the candles). I would not compare Versailles with Compiègne because I have seen Versailles so much and Compiègne so little. Indeed, Madame (if you will believe me!), I have but twice visited Compiègne since my year in garrison there, but that was fifteen years ago, and in those days, as you will remember, it was your father who befriended me. I found Compiègne very hospitable, and if I have returned there too seldom I very readily acknowledge my error.
Madame d'Escurolles (as though to change the subject). Pray, sir, do you not find Compiègne much older? They say that age particularly affects Compiègne.