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38 him only, replied the prince of Cleves, the wonder had not been so great; but what is surprising is, that she gave hopes likewise to Etouteville at the same time: I'll let you know the whole history of this matter.

 

ou know the friendship, there is betwixt Sancerre and me. Nevertheless about two years ago he fell in love with madam de Tournon, and concealed it from me with as much care as from the rest of the world; I had not the least suspicion of it. Madam de Tournon as yet appeared inconsolable for the death of her husband, and lived in retirement with great austerity. Sancerre's sister was in a manner the only person she saw, and it was at her lodgings he became in love with her.

One evening there was to be play at the Louvre, and the actors only waited for the coming of the king and madam de Valentinois; when word was brought that she was indisposed, and that the king would not come. It was easy to see that the duchess's indisposition was nothing but some quarrel with the king; everyone knew the jealousy he had had of the mareschal de Brisac during his continuance at court; but he had been set out some days on his return to Piemont, and one could not imagine what was the occasion of this falling out.

While I was speaking of this to Sancerre, monsieur d'Anville came into the room, and told me in a whisper, that the king was so exasperated and so afflicted at the same time, that one would pity him; that upon a late reconciliation between him and the duchess, after the 