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Rh LOUISE DE LA VALLIERE. 309 doing what Malicorne requested her; she took a pencil and wrote, wood," and then counted ten paces from her win- dow to her bed, and wrote, ten feet;" and having done this, she looJied out again at Malicorne, who bowed to her, signifying that he was about to descend. La Valliere un- derstood that it was to pick up the silk-winder. She ap- proached the window, and in accordance with Malicorne's instructions, let it fall. The winder was still rolling along the flagstones as Malicorne started after it, overtook and picked it up, began to peel it as a monkey would do with a nut, and ran straight toward M. de St. Aignan's apartments. St. Aignan had selected, or rather solicited, that his rooms might be as near the king as possible, as certain plants seek the sun's rays in order to develop themselves more luxuri- antly. His apartment consisted of two rooms in that por- tion of the palace occupied by Louis XIY. himself. M, de St. Aignan was very proud of his proximity, which afforded easy access to his majesty, and, more than that, the favor of occasional unexpected meetings. At the moment we are now referring to, he was engaged in having both his rooms magnificently carpeted, with the expectation of receiving the honor of frequent visits from the king; for his majesty, since his passion for La Valliere, had chosen St. Aignan as his confidant, and could not, in fact, do without him either night or day. Malicorne introduced himself to the comte, and met with no difficulties, because he had been favorably noticed by the king; and also because the credit which one man may happen to enjoy is always a bait for others. St. Aignan asked his visitor if he brought any news with him. "Yes; great neAVs," replied the latter. "Ah! ahl" said St. Aignan, "what is it?" "Mademoiselle de la Valliere has changed her quarters." "What do you mean?" said St. Aignan, opening his eyes very wide. "She was living in the same apartments as madame." "Precisely so; but madame got tired of her proximity, and has installed her in a room which is situated exactly above your future apartment." "What, up therel" exclaimed St. Aignan, with surprise, and pointing at the floor above him with his finger. "No," said Malicorne; "yonder," indicfl,ting the build- ing opposite." "What do you mean, then, by saying that her room is above my apartment?" "Because I am sure that your apartment ought most naturally to be under Mademoiselle de la Yalliere's room."