Now for the money side of the question." "Fifteen to twenty thousand francs dowry at the very outset, sire; the lovers are disinterested enough; for myself, I care little for money." "For superfluity, you mean; but a needful amount is of importance.

With fifteen thousand francs, without landed property, a woman cannot live at court.

We will make up the deficiency; I will do it for De Bragelonne." The king again remarked the coldness with which Athos received the remark.
"Let us pass from the question of money to that of rank," said Louis XIV.; "the daughter of the Marquis de la Valliere, that is well enough; but there is that excellent Saint-Remy, who somewhat damages the credit of the family; and you, comte, are rather particular, I believe, about your own family." "Sire, I no longer hold to anything but my devotion to your majesty." The king again paused.

"A moment, comte.

You have surprised me in no little degree from the beginning of your conversation.