“Your majesty is too kind in remembering it.”

“Not so.

Give me a proof of your friendship, duchesse.”

“My whole being is devoted to you, madame.”

“The proof I require is, that you should ask something of me.”

“Ask — ”

“Oh, I know you well, — no one is more disinterested, more noble, and truly loyal.”

“Do not praise me too highly, madame,” said the duchesse, somewhat anxiously.

“I could never praise you as much as you deserve to be praised.”

“And yet, age and misfortune effect a terrible change in people, madame.”