parts, and appoint me to be the miller, the Count de Provence to be
mayor, and the whimsical Artois to be schoolmaster de par la reine,
as it runs here in Trianon, and do you wonder now that we, as it
becomes the obedient, follow our queen's commands, and undertake the
charge which she intrusts to us?" "Oh, Louis, how good you are!"
said the queen, with tears in her eyes. "I know indeed how little
pleasure you, so far as you yourself are concerned, find in these
foolish sports and idle acts, and yet you sacrifice your own wishes
and take part in our games." "That is because I love you!" said the
king with simplicity, and a smile of pleasure beautified his broad,
good natured face. "Yes, Marie, I love you tenderly, and it gives me
joy to contribute to your happiness."

The queen gently laid her arm around Louis's neck, and let her head
fall upon his shoulder. "Do you still know, Louis," asked she, "do
you still know what you said to me when you gave Trianon to me?"

"Well," said the king, shaking his head slowly. "You said to me,
'You love flowers. I will present to you a whole bouquet. I give you
Little Trianon.' [Footnote: The very words of the king.--See
"Memoire de Marquis de Crequy," vol. iv.] My dear sire! you have
given me not only a bouquet of flowers, but a bouquet of pleasant
hours, of happy years, for which I thank you, and you alone."

"And may this bouquet never wither, Marie!" said the king, laying
his hand as if in blessing on the head of his wife, and raising his
good, blue eyes with a pious and prayerful look. "But, my good
woman," said he then, after a little pause, "you quite let me forget
the part I have to play, and the mill wheel is standing still again,
since the miller is not there. It is, besides, in wretched order,