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 inventions of his own brain?" To this de Scuderi answered by referring to the deposition of Count de Miossen,—the examination of Cardillac's house,—her own inward conviction,—the perfect innocence and goodness of heart shown by Madelon, who could not have loved Brusson so ardently if he had not also been guiltless. The king seemed much struck by the earnest confidence of her manner, and was about to answer, but at that moment Louvois the secretary, who had been at work in an adjoining room, looked in with an anxious countenance, and Louis, seeming to understand the signal, immediately retired. De Scuderi and de Maintenon immediately glanced at each other, and thought that by this interruption all was lost; for Louis, having had time to recover from his first surprise, would doubtless take good care not to be so much moved a second time. However, after a few minutes, the grand monarque came again into the room, took two or three turns up and down, then placed himself, with his arms crossed, opposite to de Scuderi, and said, rather in a low voice, without looking directly at her, "I should like for once to see your protege, Madelon!" "Oh, my gracious liege!" said de Scuderi, "what unspeakable condescension do you vouchsafe towards that poor girl, and what happiness will you confer upon her! It only requires your Majesty's approving signal in order to see the poor child even now at your feet."

The king nodded in token of acquiescence, and de Scuderi tripped away, as fast as her heavy dress would permit her, to inform the attendants at the door that his Majesty desired to see Madelon Cardillac in the audience chamber. On her return she could not help bursting into tears, and sobbed aloud, so deeply was she affected. She had, indeed, fondly anticipated that the king's attention might be gained, and had, with this view, brought Madelon along with her, who was now waiting in one of the ante-rooms, with the dame d'Honneur of the Marquis, and holding in her hand a little petition, which had been drawn out for her by D'Andilly, 32