"
"I know, madam," replied the hypocrite, "that his majesty finds
great pleasure in your charming society."
"And yet, sir," answered I, "his majesty experiences equal delight
in the company of your wife. How answer you that, M. de Rumas?"
"My wife, madam!"
"Yes, sir, in the company of madame de Rumas; he pays her many
private visits, secretly corresponds with her--"
"The confidence of his majesty must ever honor his subjects."
"But," replied I, quickly, "may dishonor a husband."
"How, madam! What is it you would insinuate?"
"That your wife would fain supplant me, and that she is now the
mistress of the king, although compelled to be such in secret."
"Impossible," exclaimed M. de Rumas, "and some enemy to my wife
has thus aspersed her to you."
"And do you treat it as a mere calumny?" said I. "No, sir,
nothing can be more true; and if you would wish further confirmation,
behold the letter which madame de Rumas wrote to the king only
the day before yesterday; take it and read it."
"Heaven preserve me, madam," exclaimed the time-serving wretch,
"from. presuming to cast my eyes over what is meant only for his
majesty's gracious perusal; it would be an act of treason I am not
capable of committing."
"Then, sir," returned I, "I may reasonably conclude that it is with
your sanction and concurrence your wife intrigues with the king?"
"Ah, madam," answered the wily de Rumas, in a soft and expostulating
tone, "trouble not, I pray you, the repose of my family.
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