'Now you speak to the purpose; and as I
was prepared to hear you--are you inclined for a serious discussion
of our business?"
"Pray begin, my lord, I am all attention."
"Well, madam, I deeply regret all that has passed, and deplore
that my friends and part of my family should be disagreeable to
you; I take upon myself to engage that their hostility shall end,
and am willing to afford you the most perfect satisfaction upon
this point. Impressed with highest respect for his majesty, and
the most lively desire to serve him, I ask for nothing more than
to be on good terms with those he loves; and as for the future,
my unshrinking loyalty may be relied on."
"I am well assured of it, my lord duke; and likewise you have
never taken any part in the calumnies which have been aimed at
me. Let us then forgive the and since we are agreed as to the
future, let us speak but of the present. I have friends fitted
to serve the king, whose ambition leads them to aspire to that
honour. What will you do to assist them?"
"Ere I promise that, madam, it is necessary I should be acquainted
with them."
"What would it avail to name them to you? You perfectly well
comprehend to whom I allude. I am resolutely decided to support
them, and to employ for this purpose the friendship with which
his majesty deigns to honour me."
The duke coloured deeply at these words.
"Then, madam," said he, " you would fain strip me to enrich others?"
"No, my lord, I ask but a division of your possessions.
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