"But it is very wrong to sleep; it can hardly be possible that with the pain you are suffering you can manage to do so." "And what am I suffering from, may I ask?" "Are you not in despair at my absence?" "Of course not, since you have received fifty thousand francs and an appointment in the king's household." "That is a matter of no moment; you are exceedingly afflicted at not seeing me as you used to see me formerly, and more than all, you are in despair at my having lost Madame's confidence; come now, is not that true?" "Perfectly true." "Very good; your distress of mind prevents you sleeping at night, and so you sob, and sigh, and blow your nose ten times every minute as loud as possible." "But, my dear Malicorne, Madame cannot endure the slightest noise near her." "I know that perfectly well; of course, she can't endure anything; and so, I tell you, she will not lose a minute, when she sees your deep distress, in turning you out of her room without a moment's delay." "I understand." "Very fortunate you do." "Well, and what will happen next?" "The next thing that will happen will be, that La Valliere, finding herself alone without you, will groan and utter such loud lamentations, that she will exhibit despair enough for two persons." "In that case she will be put into another room." "Precisely so." "Yes, but which?" "Which?" "Yes, that will puzzle you to say, Mr. Inventor-General." "Not at all; wherever and whatever the room may be, it will always be preferable to Madame's own room." "That is true." "Very good, so begin your lamentations a little to-night." "I certainly will not fail to do so." "And give La Valliere a hint also." "Oh! don't fear her, she cries quite enough already to herself." "Very well! all she has to do is to cry out loud." And they separated. CHAPTER XL. WHICH TREATS OF CARPENTRY OPERATIONS, AND FURNISHES DETAILS UPON THE MODE OF CONSTRUCTING STAIRCASES.