“Nothing, maybe,” replied Luc gravely.
“Ah,” insisted the Court favourite, “you have the power to come and live—like this.” His superb gesture was as if he indicated a kennel. “You have the power to sacrifice things that must be sweet to you. What inspires you?”
“The love of glory, Monsieur,” smiled Luc. “Call it that. But what is the use of words? My life marches to a different music from yours.”
“Do you despise me?” asked the Maréchal quickly, eagerly.
Luc considered a moment before he lifted his head and answered quietly—
“I think I do.”
“So M. de Voltaire says sometimes; but he is not a man of quality. I thought you despised me when we first met. Why?”
“You had such great opportunities,” answered Luc.
“I have made great use of them. There is no one more powerful in France, except La Pompadour.”
“That is a proud boast,” said the Marquis. “I recommend it for your epitaph, Monsieur le Maréchal.”