Your majesty cannot comprehend this satisfaction, for your rank and merit attract attention, and compel regard." "No, no, Saint-Aignan, believe me or not, as you like," said the king, leaning familiarly upon Saint-Aignan's arm and taking the path he thought would lead them to the chateau; "but this candid confession, this perfectly disinterested preference of one who will, perhaps, never attract my attention--in one word, the mystery of this adventure excites me, and the truth is, that if I were not so taken with La Valliere--" "Do not let that interfere with your majesty's intentions: you have time enough before you." "What do you mean ?" "La Valliere is said to be very strict in her ideas." "You excite my curiosity and I am anxious to see her again.

Come, let us walk on." The king spoke untruly, for nothing, on the contrary, could make him less anxious, but he had a part to play, and so he walked on hurriedly.
Saint-Aignan followed him at a short distance.

Suddenly the king stopped; the courtier followed his example.
"Saint-Aignan," he said, "do you not hear some one moaning ?" "Yes, sire, and weeping, too, it seems." "It is in this direction," said the king.

"It sounds like the tears and sobs of a woman." "Run," said the king; and, following a by-path, they ran across the grass.

As they approached, the cries were more distinctly heard.
"Help, help," exclaimed two voices.