But we have now been walking for some time, shall we be long before we reach it ?" "About fifty or sixty paces further; turn to the left, Madame, if you please." "And you are sure of Montalais ?" said Madame.
"Oh, certainly." "Will she do what you ask her ?" "Everything.

She will be delighted." "And La Valliere--" ventured the princess.
"Ah, there will be some difficulty with her, Madame; she would scorn to tell a falsehood." "Yet, when it is in her interest to do so--" "I am afraid that that would not make the slightest difference in her ideas." "Yes, yes," said Madame.

"I have been already told that; she is one of those overnice and affectedly particular people who place heaven in the foreground in order to conceal themselves behind it.

But if she refuses to tell a falsehood,--as she will expose herself to the jests of the whole court, as she will have annoyed the king by a confession as ridiculous as it was immodest,--Mademoiselle la Baume le Blanc de la Valliere will think it but proper I should send her back again to her pigeons in the country, in order that, in Touraine yonder, or in Le Blaisois,--I know not where it may be,--she may at her ease study sentiment and pastoral life combined." These words were uttered with a vehemence and harshness that terrified Mademoiselle de Tonnay-Charente; and the consequence was, that, as far as she was concerned, she promised to tell as many falsehoods as might be necessary.

It was in this frame of mind that Madame and her companion reached the precincts of the royal oak.
"Here we are," said Tonnay-Charente.
"We shall soon learn if one can overhear," replied Madame.
"Hush!" whispered the young girl, holding Madame back with a hurried gesture, entirely forgetful of her companion's rank.