"'You are in error, sire,' I said. 'I have never seen finer roses than
I do now.'
"'Where?' he asked, looking around.
"But I only looked at La Valentinois, and this time she was red enough. She can blush at will, I believe. Strange that behind so fair a face lies so twisted a soul! And as the King followed my glance the blush on her cheek became deeper and deeper.
"'Ma petite,' and he pinched her ear, 'I find I have a rival. I shall have to send him to the Châtelet.' Whereat every one laughed, and Pompon, hearing the sounds, hopped in through the window, and helped himself to another plum.
"'Ah, bandit!' And the King flung a sippet of toast after him as he added: 'I am hedged in with robbers.'
"'That is true, sire,' I said gravely.
"'You heard that at Créquy's last night.' And there was a sharp note in Diane's voice.
"'Oh yes; and much worse.'
"'Come, tell us!' said the King.
"'Sire, you will remember that Monsieur Joué and Monsieur d'Arbois are inveterate gossips.'