"Because, Madame, it is my duty."
"No gentleman should have duties. Are you discontented with Versailles?"
"On the contrary it is the place where I should be most happy."
"This is a riddle, then. Plainly, you are indispensable to us. Can I tempt you by some pension, some honour, some office? I have a benefice vacant, but should dislike to see those locks of yours tonsured. What do you say to the army?"
"It is impossible, for me."
"The army, I say, it shall be."
"Madame——"
"To-morrow I will hear your choice concerning this commission—horse, foot, or artillery?"
One did not argue with Princesses—partly because Princesses did not argue with one. He humbly retired, revolving an undefined notion of flight.
By chance Grancey entered during the afternoon.