The king colored.
"Then," she continued, "I had reasoned myself into the belief that Heaven called me into existence with that object--I, the daughter of a powerful monarch; that since my father had been deprived of life, Heaven could well smite my pride.

I have suffered greatly; I have been the cause, too, of my mother suffering much; but I vowed that if Providence ever placed me in a position of independence, even were it that of a workman of the lower classes, who gains her bread by her labor, I would never suffer humiliation again.

That day has now arrived; I have been restored to the fortune due to my rank and to my birth; I have even ascended again the steps of a throne, and I thought that, in allying myself with a French prince, I should find in him a relation, a friend, an equal; but I perceive I have found only a master, and I rebel.

My mother shall know nothing of it; you whom I respect, and whom I--love--" The king started; never had any voice so gratified his ear.
"You, sire, who know all, since you have come here; you will, perhaps, understand me.

If you had not come, I should have gone to you.