All he can do is to humble himself before you and entreat forgiveness." "Your forgiveness is granted, then," said the marquise.

Fouquet was about to throw himself upon his knees.

"No, no," she said, "sit here by my side.

Ah! that is an evil thought which has just crossed your mind." "How do you detect it, madame ?" "By the smile that has just marred the expression of your countenance.
Be candid, and tell me what your thought was--no secrets between friends." "Tell me, then, madame, why you have been so harsh these three or four months past ?" "Harsh ?" "Yes; did you not forbid me to visit you ?" "Alas!" said Madame de Belliere, sighing, "because your visit to me was the cause of your being visited with a great misfortune; because my house is watched; because the same eyes that have seen you already might see you again; because I think it less dangerous for you that I should come here than that you should come to my house; and, lastly, because I know you to be already unhappy enough not to wish to increase your unhappiness further." Fouquet started, for these words recalled all the anxieties connected with his office of superintendent--he who, for the last few minutes, had indulged in all the wild aspirations of the lover.

"I unhappy ?" he said, endeavoring to smile: "indeed, marquise, you will almost make me believe I am so, judging from your own sadness.