"Monsieur complains," said the king, "that you prefer the society of
private individuals to his own conversation and society."

"But Monsieur passes his life in looking at his face in the glass,
and in plotting all sorts of spiteful things against women with the
Chevalier de Lorraine."

"Oh, you are going somewhat too far."

"I only tell you what is true. Do you observe for yourself, sire, and
you will see that I am right."

"I will observe; but, in the meantime, what satisfaction can I give my
brother?"

"My departure."

"You repeat that word," exclaimed the king, imprudently, as if, during
the last ten minutes, such a change had been produced that Madame would
have had all her ideas on the subject thoroughly changed.

"Sire, I cannot be happy here any longer," she said. "M. de Guiche
annoys Monsieur. Will he be sent away, too?"

"If it be necessary, why not?" replied the king, smiling.

"Well; and after M. de Guiche--whom, by the by, I shall regret--I warn
you, sire."

"Ah, you will regret him?"

"Certainly; he is amiable, he has a great friendship for me, and he
amuses me."

"If Monsieur were only to hear you," said the king, slightly annoyed,
"do you know I would not undertake to make it up again between you; nay,
I would not even attempt it."

"Sire, can you, even now, prevent Monsieur from being jealous of the
first person who may approach? I know very well that M. de Guiche is not
the first."

"Again I warn you that as a good brother I shall take a dislike to De
Guiche."

"Ah, sire, do not, I entreat you, adopt either the sympathies or the
dislikes of Monsieur. Remain king; better for yourself and for every one
else."

"You jest charmingly, madame; and I can well understand how the people
you attack must adore you."

"And is that the reason why you, sire, whom I had regarded as my
defender, are about to join these who persecute me?" said Madame.

"I your persecutor! Heaven forbid!"

"Then," she continued, languishingly, "grant me a favor."

"Whatever you wish."

"Let me return to England."

"Never, never!" exclaimed Louis XIV.

"I am a prisoner, then?"

"In France--if France is a prison--yes."

"What must I do, then?"

"I will tell you. Instead of devoting yourself to friendships which are
somewhat unstable, instead of alarming us by your retirement, remain
always in our society, do not leave us, let us live as a united family.
M. de Guiche is certainly very amiable; but if