“I hoped that you would remember our recent friendship, and that you would treat me as a brother.”

Madame paused for a moment.

“I do not disown you for a brother,” she said, “in refusing you majesty an injustice.”

“An injustice!”

“Oh, sire! if I informed others of La Valliere’s conduct; if the queen knew — ”

“Come, come, Henrietta, let your heart speak; remember that, for however brief a time, you once loved me; remember, too, that human hearts should be as merciful as the heart of a sovereign Master. Do not be inflexible with others; forgive La Valliere.”

“I cannot; she has offended me.”