There is
a high place somewhere in this world for a man of your wit and courage."
"Mazarin's interpretation of that would be a gibbet on Montfaucon."
"I am offering you friendship, Monsieur." The hand remained extended.
The vicomte bowed, placed his hands behind his back and bowed again.
"Friendship and love; oil and water. Madame, when they mix well, I
will come in the guise of a friend. Sometimes I've half a mind to tell
the Chevalier who you are; for, my faith! it is humorous in the
extreme. I understand that you and he were affianced, once upon a
time; and here he is, making violent love to you, not knowing your name
any more than Adam knew Eve's."
"Very well, then, Monsieur. Since there can be no friendship, there
can be nothing. Hereafter you will do me the kindness not to intrude
into my affairs."
"Madame, I am a part of your destiny. I told you so long ago."
"I am a woman, and women are helpless." Madame was discouraged. What
with that insane D'Herouville, the Chevalier, and this mocking suitor,
her freedom was to prove but small. France, France! "And I am here in
exile, Monsieur, innocent of any wrong.
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