"Heart, eyes," she said; "oh, sugar-plums!" "I speak for myself;" replied La Valliere.
"Noble sentiments," said Athenais, with an air of protection, but with indifference.
"Are they not your own ?" asked Louise.
"Perfectly so; but to continue: how can one pity a man who bestows his attentions upon such a woman as Madame?
If any disproportion exists, it is on the count's side." "Oh! no, no," returned La Valliere; "it is on Madame's side." "Explain yourself." "I will.

Madame has not even a wish to know what love is.

She diverts herself with the feeling, as children do with fireworks, form which a spark might set a palace on fire.

It makes a display, and that is all she cares about.

Besides, pleasure forms the tissue of which she wishes her life to be woven.