“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 Vallière 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 Vallière--” “Do not let that interfere with your majesty’s intentions: you have time enough before you.” “What do you mean?” “La Vallière 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 approached, the cries were more distinctly heard.