”You remind me by your presence, monsieur, of something I had forgotten to recommend to you, that is to say, the most absolute discretion.”
“Oh! sire, why does your majesty give yourself the trouble of making me such a recommendation? It is plain you do not know me.”
“Yes, monsieur, that is true. I know that you are discreet; but as I had prescribed nothing — ”
The officer bowed. “Has your majesty nothing else to say to me?”
“No, monsieur; you may retire.”
“Shall I obtain permission not to do so till I have spoken to the king, sire?”
“What do you have to say to me? Explain yourself, monsieur.”