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Rh LOUISE DE LA VALLIERE. 249 "You are very gallant sire," said Miss Stewart, with a pretty pout. "I do not allude to Miss Stewart, for she is worthy a king's devotion; and since she has captivated me, I trust that no one else will be caught by her; I say, therefore, finally, that the attention I have shown this young man will not have been thrown away; he will stay with us here, will marry here, or I am very much mistaken." "And I hope that when he is once married and settled, instead of being angry with your majesty, he will be grate- ful to you, for every one tries his utmost to please him; even the Duke of Buckingham, whose brilliancy, which is harldy credible, seems to pale before that of this young Frenchman." "And including Miss Stewart even, who calls him the most finished gentleman she ever saw." "Stay, sire; you have spoken quite enough, and quite highly enough, of Miss Grafton, to overlook what I may have said about De Bragelonne. But, by the bye, sire, your kindness for some lime past astonishes me; you think of those who are absent, you forgive those who have done wrong; in fact, you are, as nearly as possible, perfect. How does it happen " "It is because you allow yourself to be loved," he said, beginning to laugh. "Oh! there must be some other reason." "Well, I am doing all I can to oblige my brother Louis XIV." "Nay, I must have another reason." "Well, then, the true motive is that Buckingham strongly recommended the young man to me, saying: 'Sire, I begin by yielding up all claim to Miss Grafton; I pray you follow my example.' " "The duke is, indeed, a true gentleman." "Oh, of course, of course; it is Buckingham's turn now, I suppose, to turn your head. You seem determined to cross me in everything to-day." At this moment some one scratched at the door. "Who is it who presumes to interrupt us?" exclaimed Charles impatiently. "Really, sire, you are extremely vain with your 'who is it who presumes?' and in order to punish you for it ■'" She went to the door and opened it. "It is a courier from France," said Miss Stewart. "A courier from France!" exclaimed Charles; "from my sister, perhaps?"