“Put respect out of the way, for you fail in it every day. I absolve you; but why did you leave me?” “Because I felt that I was of no further use to you.” “Explain yourself.” “Your highness has people about you who are far more amusing that _I_ can ever be. I felt I was not strong enough to enter into contest with them, and I therefore withdrew.” “This extreme diffidence shows a want of common sense. Who are those with whom you cannot contend? De Guiche?” “I name no one.” “This is absurd. Does De Guiche annoy you?” “I do not say he does; do not force me to speak, however; you know very well that De Guiche is one of our best friends.” “Who is it, then?” “Excuse me, monseigneur, let us say no more about it.” The chevalier knew perfectly well that curiosity is excited in the same way as thirst --by removing that which quenches it; or in other words, by denying an explanation. “No, no,” said the prince; “I wish to know why you went away.” “In that case, monseigneur, I will tell you; but do not get angry. I remarked that my presence was disagreeable.” “To whom?” “To Madame.” “What do you mean?” said the duke in astonishment. “It is simple enough; Madame is very probably jealous of the regard you are good enough to testify for me.” “Has she shown it to you?” “Madame never addresses a syllable to me, particularly since a certain time.” “Since _what_ time?” “Since the time when, M. de Guiche having made himself more agreeable to her than I could, she receives him at every and any hour.” The duke colored. “At any hour, chevalier; what do you mean by that?” “You see, your highness, I have already displeased you; I was quite sure I should.” “I am not displeased; but what you say is rather startling. In what respect does Madame prefer De Guiche to you?” “I shall say no more,” said the chevalier, saluting the prince ceremoniously. “On the contrary, I require you to speak. If you withdraw on that account, you must indeed be very jealous.” “One cannot help being jealous, monseigneur, when one loves. Is not your royal highness jealous of Madame? Would you not, if you saw some one always near Madame, and always treated with great favor, take umbrage at it? One’s friends are as one’s lovers. Your highness has sometimes conferred the distinguished honor upon me of calling me your friend.” “Yes, yes,; but you used a phrase which has a very equivocal significance; you are unfortunate in your phrases.” “What phrase, monseigneur?” “You said, ‘treated with great favor.’ What do you mean by favor?”