“A singular circumstance, do you not think, for the court is now at Paris? At all events, I would have set off; but when I mentioned my intention to the king, he began to laugh, and said to me, ‘How comes it, monsieur l’amassadeur, that you think of leaving? Has your sovereign recalled you?’ I colored, naturally enough, for I was confused by the question; for the fact is, the king himself sent me here, and I have received no order to return.”
Mary frowned in deep thought, and said, “Do you remain, then?”
“I must, mademoiselle.”
“Do you ever receive any letters from her to whom you are so devoted?”
“Never.”
“Never, do you say?