"Yes."

"I acknowledge, then, that I am effeminate, idle, and hypocritical."

"It is true."

"I have ill-treated my wife--such a worthy woman."

"One ought to love one's wife as one's self, and prefer her to
all things," said the voice, angrily.

"Ah!" cried Chicot, "then I have sinned deeply."

"And you have made others sin by your example."

"It is true."

"Especially that poor St. Luc; and if you do not send him home
to-morrow to his wife, there will be no pardon for you."

"Ah!" said Chicot to the king, "the voice seems to be friendly
to the house of Cosse."

"And you must make him a duke, to recompense him for his forced
stay."

"Peste!" said Chicot; "the angel is much interested for M. de
St. Luc."

"Oh!" cried the king, without listening, "this voice from on high