"Who are the insolents that hold such language?"

"They surround you, sire. There is not a female here but affirms
that you dare not decide on the presentation of the comtesse."

"I alone am master, and will let them know it when the opportunity
arrives; but the present moment is not fitting. The comtesse knows
how well I love her; and if she will prove her friendship towards
me, she will remain quiet for some time."

The duke thought it best to be silent, and came to me. After
relating the conversation, he added, "Do not appear at all dejected;
the king would not then visit you lest he should find you out of
temper. Were I you I should write to him; a word of peace would
set him at ease."

I approved this advice, and instantly penned the following letter: --

Sire -They tell me that your majesty has been tormented
on my account. It is a treason of which I alone could
believe myself capable. But why should I complain? You
have done so much for me that I ought to esteem myself
happy: your august friendship consoles me thro' all my
annoyances. Be assured that henceforth I shall pout no
more; I will be the best sheep in the world, relying on
my shepherd for not having my fleece cut too closely;
for after all I think I am the petted ewe, etc."

A short time afterwards a page brought me a splendid box of