Chapter 42 - Page 2

pay for the confidence I have shown you."

"What do you mean, sire?"

"That to-morrow every one will know that I have designs upon this little
La Valliere; but he careful, Saint-Aignan, I have confided my secret to
no one but you, and if any one should speak to me about it, I shall know
who has betrayed my secret."

"You are angry, sire."

"No; but you understand I do not wish to compromise the poor girl."

"Do not be afraid, sire."

"You promise me, then?"

"I give you my word of honor."

"Excellent," thought the king, laughing to himself; "now every one will
know to-morrow that I have been running about after La Valliere to-
night."

Then, endeavoring to see where he was, he said: "Why we have lost
ourselves."

"Not quite so bad as that, sire."

"Where does that gate lead to?"

"To Rond-Point, sire."

"Where were we going when we heard the sound of women's voices?"

"Yes, sire, and the termination of a conversation in which I had the
honor of hearing my own name pronounced by the side of your majesty's."

"You return to that subject too frequently, Saint-Aignan."

"Your majesty will forgive me, but I am delighted to know that a woman
exists whose thoughts are occupied about me, without my knowledge, and
without my having done anything to deserve it. Your majesty cannot
comprehend this satisfaction, for your rank and merit attract attention,
and compel regard."

"No, no, Saint-Aignan, believe me or not, as you like," said the king,
leaning familiarly upon Saint-Aignan's arm and taking the path he thought
would lead them to the chateau; "but this candid confession, this
perfectly disinterested preference of one who will, perhaps, never
attract my attention - in one word, the mystery of this adventure excites
me, and the truth is, that if I were not so taken with La Valliere - "

"Do not let that interfere with your majesty's intentions: you have time
enough before you."

"What do you mean?"

"La Valliere is said to be very strict in her ideas."

"You excite my curiosity and I am anxious to see her again. Come, let us
walk on."

The king spoke untruly, for nothing, on the contrary, could make him less
anxious, but he had a part to play, and so he walked on hurriedly. Saint-
Aignan followed him at a short distance. Suddenly the king stopped; the
courtier followed his example.

"Saint-Aignan," he said, "do you not hear some one moaning?"

"Yes, sire, and weeping, too, it seems."

"It is in this direction," said the king. "It sounds like the tears and
sobs of a woman."

"Run," said the king; and, following a by-path, they ran across the
grass. As they