The king and his companion redoubled their speed, and, as they approached nearer, the sighs they had heard were changed into loud sobs.

The cry of "Help! help!" was again repeated; at the sound of which, the king and Saint-Aignan increased the rapidity of their pace.

Suddenly at the other side of a ditch, under the branches of a willow, they perceived a woman on her knees, holding another in her arms who seemed to have fainted.

A few paces from them, a third, standing in the middle of the path, was calling for assistance.
Perceiving the two gentlemen, whose rank she could not tell, her cries for assistance were redoubled.

The king, who was in advance of his companion, leaped across the ditch, and reached the group at the very moment when, from the end of the path which led to the chateau, a dozen persons were approaching, who had been drawn to the spot by the same cries that had attracted the attention of the king and M.de Saint-Aignan.
"What is the matter, young ladies ?" said Louis.
"The king!" exclaimed Mademoiselle de Montalais, in her astonishment, letting La Valliere's head fall upon the ground.
"Yes, it is the king; but that is no reason why you should abandon your companion.