"Minx!" he cried, in a choking voice.
"Impertinent, heartless minx! Louvois, you know what I have done for the princess.

You know she has been the apple of my eye.

What have I ever grudged her?
What have I ever denied her ?" "You have been goodness itself, sire," said Louvois, whose own wounds smarted less now that he saw his master writhing.
"Hear what she says of me: 'Old Father Grumpy is much as usual, save that he gives a little at the knees.

You remember how we used to laugh at his airs and graces! Well, he has given up all that, and though he still struts about on great high heels, like a Landes peasant on his stilts, he has no brightness at all in his clothes.

Of course, all the court follow his example, so you can imagine what a nightmare place this is.