"I have sworn, St. Luc, but I shall swear no more."

"I cannot say that; I will not swear more than I can help, and
God is merciful."

"You think he will pardon me?"

"Oh! I speak for myself, not for you, sire. You have sinned as a
king, I as a private man, and we shall, I trust, be differently
judged."

The king sighed. "St. Luc," said he, "will you pass the night
in my room?"

"Why, what should we do?"

"We will light all the lamps, I will go to bed, and you shall
read prayers to me."

"No, thank you, sire."

"You will not?"

"On no account."

"You abandon me, St. Luc!"

"No, I will stay with your majesty, if you will send for music
and ladies, and have a dance."