“Will she do what you ask her?” “Everything. She will be delighted.” “And La Vallière--” ventured the princess. “Ah, there will be some difficulty with her, Madame; she would scorn to tell a falsehood.” “Yet, when it is in her interest to do so--” “I am afraid that that would not make the slightest difference in her ideas.” “Yes, yes,” said Madame. “I have been already told that; she is one of those overnice and affectedly particular people who place heaven in the foreground in order to conceal themselves behind it. But if she refuses to tell a falsehood,--as she will expose herself to the jests of the whole court, as she will have annoyed the king by a confession as ridiculous as it was immodest,--Mademoiselle la Baume le Blanc de la Vallière will think it but proper I should send her back again to her pigeons in the country, in order that, in Touraine yonder, or in Le Blaisois,--I know not where it may be,--she may at her ease study sentiment and pastoral life combined.” These words were uttered with a vehemence and harshness that terrified Mademoiselle de Tonnay-Charente; and the consequence was, that, as far as she was concerned, she promised to tell as many falsehoods as might be necessary. It was in this frame of mind that Madame and her companion reached the precincts of the royal oak. “Here we are,” said Tonnay-Charente. “We shall soon learn if one can overhear,” replied Madame. “Hush!” whispered the young girl, holding Madame back with a hurried gesture, entirely forgetful of her companion’s rank. Madame stopped. “You see that you can hear,” said Athenais. “How?” “Listen.” Madame held her breath; and, in fact, the following words pronounced by a gentle and melancholy voice, floated towards them: “I tell you, vicomte, I tell you I love her madly; I tell you I love her to distraction.” Madame started at the voice; and, beneath her hood, a bright joyous smile illumined her features. It was she who now held back her companion, and with a light step leading her some twenty paces away, that is to say, out of the reach of the voice, she said, “Remain here, my dear Athenais, and let no one surprise us. I think it must be you they are conversing about.” “Me, Madame?”