"I understand, Sire."
Claude and young Marc Antoine ceased their conversation as the King approached. After saluting both gentlemen, his Majesty turned to Claude. "Monsieur," he said, heartily, "we welcome your return with the greatest satisfaction. You read our letter well. Oh, we have not forgotten, you see. And we—compliment you, monsieur, upon having won the most charming of ladies. She is English, Monsieur le Comte?"
"From the colonies, Sire."
"A pity they are so far away. One would like to visit them."
Claude forced a smile, while Louis turned next to d'Argenson. Upon this Richelieu at once crossed to the Count and opened conversation with him so adroitly that the King's next remarks were happily inaudible.
"And, by-the-way, my dear Voyer—put Mme. de Mailly, the new Countess, on the supper-list for Choisy."
D'Argenson bowed profoundly, to conceal his expression. "And—Mme. d'Etioles, Sire?" he ventured.
Louis hesitated. "Not—not as yet," he said, finally.