Ten Years Later by Alexandre Dumas père
page 88 of 1350 (06%)
page 88 of 1350 (06%)
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might have eaten nearly alone, was at first much pleased
with his aunt, and afterwards with M. de Saint-Remy, her maitre d'hotel, who had really distinguished himself. The collation over, at a sign of approbation from M. de Mazarin, the king arose, and, at the invitation of his aunt, walked about among the ranks of the assembly. The ladies then observed -- there are certain things for which women are as good observers at Blois as at Paris -- the ladies then observed that Louis XIV. had a prompt and bold look, which premised a distinguished appreciator of beauty. The men, on their part, observed that the prince was proud and haughty, that he loved to look down those who fixed their eyes upon him too long or too earnestly, which gave presage of a master. Louis XIV. had accomplished about a third of his review when his ears were struck with a word which his eminence pronounced whilst conversing with Monsieur. This word was the name of a woman. Scarcely had Louis XIV. heard this word than he heard, or rather listened to nothing else; and neglecting the arc of the circle which awaited his visit, his object seemed to be to come as quickly as possible to the extremity of the curve. Monsieur, like a good courtier, was inquiring of monsieur le |
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