;
I should let you revenge me, in return for the insult which has been
inflicted on me; I should accept the brilliant triumph to my pride
which you propose; and yet, you cannot deny that I reject even the sweet
compensation which your affection affords, that affection which for me
is life itself, for I wished to die when I thought that you loved me no
longer."

"Yes, yes; I now know, I now perceive it; you are the sweetest, best,
and purest of women. There is no one so worthy as yourself, not alone of
my respect and devotion, but also of the respect and devotion of all who
surround me; and therefore no one shall be loved like yourself; no one
shall ever possess the influence over me that you wield. You wish me to
be calm, to forgive?--be it so, you shall find me perfectly unmoved. You
wish to reign by gentleness and clemency?--I will be clement and
gentle. Dictate for me the conduct you wish me to adopt, and I will obey
blindly."

"In Heaven's name, no, sire; what am I, a poor girl, to dictate to so
great a monarch as yourself?"

"You are my life, the very spirit and principle of my being. Is it not
the spirit that rules the body?"

"You love me, then, sire?"

"On my knees, yes; with my hands upraised to you, yes; with all the
strength and power of my being, yes; I love you so deeply, that I would
lay down my life for you, gladly, at your merest wish."

"Oh! sire, now I know you love me, I have nothing to wish for in the
world. Give me your hand, sire; and then, farewell! I have enjoyed in
this life all the happiness I was ever meant for."

"Oh! no, no! your happiness is not a happiness of yesterday, it is of
to-day, of to-morrow, ever enduring. The future is yours, everything
which is mine is yours, too. Away with these ideas of separation, away
with these gloomy, despairing thoughts. You will live for me, as I will
live for you, Louise." And he threw himself at her feet, embracing her
knees with the wildest transports of joy and gratitude.

"Oh! sire, sire! all that is but a wild dream."

"Why, a wild dream?"

"Because I cannot return to the court. Exiled, how can I see you again?
Would it not be far better to bury myself in a cloister for the rest of
my life, with the rich consolation that your affection gives me, with
the pulses of your heart beating for me, and your latest confession of
attachment still ringing in my ears?"

"Exiled, you!" exclaimed Louis XIV., "and who dares to exile, let me
ask, wh