Sire, how can I thank you for this forbearance ?" She curtsied low, with her face set in a mocking smile.
"Your words are bitter, madame." "My heart is bitter, sire." "Nay, Francoise, be reasonable, I implore you.

We have both left our youth behind." "The allusion to my years comes gratefully from your lips." "Ah, you distort my words.

Then I shall say no more.

You may not see me again, madame.

Is there no question which you would wish to ask me before I go ?" "Good God!" she cried; "is this a man?
Has it a heart?
Are these the lips which have told me so often that he loved me?
Are these the eyes which have looked so fondly into mine?
Can you then thrust away a woman whose life has been yours as you put away the St.Germain palace when a more showy one was ready for you?
And this is the end of all those vows, those sweet whispers, those persuasions, those promises--This!" "Nay, madame, this is painful to both of us." "Pain! Where is the pain in your face?
I see anger in it because I have dared to speak truth; I see joy in it because you feel that your vile task is done.