the portrait — ”

“It seems that the king wished to have the portrait of one of the ladies belonging to the court.”

“La Valliere?”

“Why, you seem to have only that name in your mouth. Who spoke to you of La Valliere?”

“If it be not her portrait, then, why do you suppose it would concern me?”

“I do not suppose it will concern you. But you ask me all sorts of questions, and I answer you. You positively will learn all the scandal of the affair, and I tell you — make the best you can of it.”

Raoul struck his forehead with his hand in utter despair. “It will kill me!” he said.