"I will prove, then, that I love nobody but yourself."
"Be so good," added he aloud to Louvois, "as to say to the usher that the Prince of Savoy will have an audience."
This being equivalent to a dismission, Louvois backed out of his master's presence, and retired. As he was passing through the antechamber, congratulating himself upon having effectually muzzled his adversary, the minister saw his pale, serious face at the door. Eugene was in the act of desiring the usher to announce him.
"His majesty awaits the Prince of Savoy," said Louvois, and he stepped aside to allow him entrance.
Eugene came in, and the door was closed. The two enemies were alone, face to face; and they surveyed each other as two lions might do on the eve of a deathly contest.
"It has pleased you to make an attempt to beg a commission in the army, and to address yourself directly to the king," said Louvois, after a pause. "And you presumed to do so without the intervention of his majesty's minister of war."
"I have no business with the servants of his majesty," replied Eugene, tranquilly. "If I have a request to make, I address it to the king my kinsman, and require no influence of his subordinates."
"Sir!" exclaimed Louvois, angrily, "I counsel you—"
"I desire no counsel from a man whom I despise," interrupted Eugene.
"You shall give me satisfaction for this word," returned Louvois, laying his hand on his sword. "You are a nobleman, and therefore—"