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Part III. and I begin to believe it is not yourself you are speaking of; I am almost, continued she, of the opinion of madam de Cleves, who maintains that this story cannot be true.—I do not really believe it can be true, answered madam de Cleves, who had been silent hitherto; and though it were possible to be true, how should it have been known? It is very unlikely that a woman, capable of so extraordinary a resolution, would have the weakness to publish it; and surely her husband would not have told it neither, or he must be a husband very unworthy to have been dealt with in so generous a manner. The duke de Nemours, who perceived the suspicions madam de Cleves had of her husband, was glad to confirm her in them, knowing he was the most formidable rival he had to overcome. Jealousy, said he, and a curiosity perhaps of knowing more than a wife has thought fit to discover, may make a husband do a great many imprudent things.

Madam de Cleves was put to the last proof of her power and courage; and not being able to endure the conversation any longer, she was going to say she was not well, when, by good fortune for her the duchess of Valentinois came in, and told the queen-dauphin that the king was just coming; the queen-dauphin went into the closet to dress herself, and the duke de Nemours came up to madam de Cleves as she was following her. I would give my life, madam, said he, to have a moment's conversation with you; but though I have a world of important things to say to you, I think nothing is more so, than to entreat you to believe, that if I have said anything in which the queen-dauphin may seem concerned, I did it for reasons which do not relate to her. Madam de Cleves pretended not to hear him, and left him without giving him a look, and went towards the king, who was just come in. As there were abundance of people there, she trod upon her gown, and made a false step, which served her as an excuse to go out of a place she had not the power to stay in, and