Since this lady has been the governess of my children I have been in the habit of coming into her room unannounced." "As far as I am concerned, you are most welcome to do so," said her rival, with perfect composure.
"I confess that I had not even thought it necessary to ask your permission, madame," the other answered coldly.
"Then you shall certainly do so in the future, madame," said the king sternly.

"It is my express order to you that every possible respect is to be shown in every way to this lady." "Oh, to _this_ lady!" with a wave of her hand in her direction.

"Your Majesty's commands are of course our laws.

But I must remember that it _is_ this lady, for sometimes one may get confused as to which name it is that your Majesty has picked out for honour.

To-day it is De Maintenon; yesterday it was Fontanges; to-morrow--Ah, well, who can say who it may be to-morrow ?" She was superb in her pride and her fearlessness as she stood, with her sparkling blue eyes and her heaving bosom, looking down upon her royal lover.