For let me tell you, when Mademoiselle de la Vire does confer a favour, it will be on a man with the power and the wit--and the constancy, to keep it, even from M.de Rosny!' Her scorn hurt, though it did not anger me.

I felt it to be in a measure deserved, and raged against myself rather than against her.

But aware through all of the supreme importance of placing her in safety, I subjected my immediate feelings to the exigencies of the moment and stooped to an argument which would, I thought, have weight though private pleading failed.
'Putting myself aside, mademoiselle,' I said, with more formality than I had yet used, 'there is one consideration which must weigh with you.

The king--' 'The king!' she cried, interrupting me violently, her face hot with passion and her whole person instinct with stubborn self-will.

'I shall not see the king!' 'You will not see the king ?' I repeated in amazement.
'No, I will not!' she answered, in a whirl of anger, scorn, and impetuosity.