"I do not say that M. de Guiche personally took an interest in Mademoiselle de la Valliere, but I say that he did so as representing or acting on behalf of another." "On behalf of another?" "Come, do not always assume such a bewildered look. Does not every one here know that M. de Bragelonne is affianced to Mademoiselle de la Valliere, and that before he went on the mission with which the king intrusted him, he charged his friend M. de Guiche to watch over that interesting young lady." "There is nothing more for me to say, then. Your highness is well informed." "Of everything; so I beg you to understand that clearly." Manicamp began to laugh, which almost exasperated the princess, who was not, as we know, of a very patient and enduring disposition. "Madame," resumed the discreet Manicamp, saluting the princess, "let us bury this affair altogether in forgetfulness, for it will never be quite cleared up." "Oh, as far as that goes, there is nothing more to do, and the information is complete. The king will learn that M. de Guiche has taken up the cause of this little adventuress, who gives herself all the airs of a grand lady; he will learn that Monsieur de Bragelonne, having nominated his friend M. de Guiche his guardian-in-ordinary of the garden of the Hesperides, the latter immediately fastened, as he was required to do, upon the Marquis de Wardes, who ventured to touch the golden apple. Moreover, you cannot pretend to deny, Monsieur Manicamp--you who know everything so well--that the king, on his side, casts a longing eye upon this famous treasure, and that he will bear no slight grudge against M. de Guiche for constituting himself the defender of it. Are you sufficiently well informed now, or do you require anything further--if so, speak, monsieur." "No, madame, there is nothing more I wish to know." "Learn, however for you ought to know it, Monsieur de Manicamp--learn that his majesty's indignation will be followed by terrible consequences. In princes of a similar temperament to that of his majesty, the passion which jealousy causes sweeps down like a whirlwind." "Which you will temper, madame." "I!" exclaimed the princess, with a gesture of indescribable irony; "I! and by what title, may I ask?" "Because you detect injustice, madame." "And according to your account, then, it would be an injustice to prevent the king arranging his love affairs as he pleases." "You will intercede, however, in M. de Guiche's favor?" "You are mad, monsieur," said the princess, in a haughty tone of voice. "On the contrary, I am in the most perfect possession of my senses; and I repeat, you will defend M. de Guiche before the king." "Why should I?" "Because the cause of M. de Guiche is your own, madame," said Manicamp, with all the ardor with which his eyes were kindled. "What do you mean by that?"