"And," he added, "my benefactor is an exceedingly intelligent man, for he seemed to guess my thoughts intuitively.

I have now only one wish, that of learning the name of the gentleman who so cleverly assisted his king out of his dilemma, and extricated him from his cruel position." Montalais, during this colloquy, the first words of which had awakened her attention, had slightly altered her position, and had contrived so as to meet the king's look as he finished his remark.

It followed very naturally that the king looked inquiringly as much at her as at La Valliere; she had every reason to suppose that it was she who was appealed to, and consequently might be permitted to answer.

She therefore said: "Sire, the horse which your majesty is riding belongs to Monsieur, and was being led by one of his royal highness's gentlemen." "And what is that gentleman's name, may I ask, mademoiselle ?" "M.

de Malicorne, sire." The name produced its usual effect, for the king repeated it smilingly.
"Yes, sire," replied Aure.