“M. Fouquet, who at this moment is ruining himself for his sovereign.”
“In plain truth, mademoiselle, it seems as if you were defending this traitor.”
Colbert began to chuckle silently. The king turned round at the sound of this suppressed mirth.
“Sire,” said La Valliere, “it is not M. Fouquet I am defending; it is yourself.”
“Me! you are defending me?”
“Sire, you would dishonor yourself if you were to give such an order.”
“Dishonor myself!” murmured the king, turning pale with anger.
“In plain truth, mademoiselle, you show a strange persistence in what you say.”