Page:A Nameless Nobleman.djvu/15

Rh monument of pious peace set in the very whirlpool of these contending passions."

Monsieur de Chablais turned, and looked keenly at his friend, then breathlessly asked,—

"What do you say, De Vannes? Surely this prude of a gouvernante will not presume to supersede her mistress, as her mistress did her friend and equal!"

"If by mistress you mean Madame de Montespan, my friend, I beg to contradict you. Madame de Maintenon, as we are now to style the widow Scarron, is the governess, not of Madame de Montespan's children, but of the king's."

"A distinction, I perceive; but where is the differ ence?"

"The difference of serving a master or—a mistress."

"I perceive; but allow me to observe it is a dangerous bon-mot, since that master is also our master, and possesses sharp ears, keen eyes, and remarkably long arms."

"All which will presently exercise themselves, unless he is the more careful, upon that handsome youth devoting himself so frankly to the fair marquise."

"I see. He seems about to devour her bodily, and she conquers in his behalf that timid and shrinking reserve we all recognize as her distinctive charm. Who is he?"

"Son of that poor old Count de Montarnaud, I believe."

"What, the courtier of King Clovis? Is he still extant?"

"Oh, yes! and is forever in the king's path, asking