r of this conversation, it was with
the sincerest desire of adjusting all differences between us, and it
would but ill advance that purpose were I now to reply to you with
warmth and petulance; condescend, on your part, to lay aside sarcasm and
raillery. You have already too many advantages over me, and it would ill
accord with your wonted generosity to insult a half-conquered foe."

"You are right, my lord," answered I; "jests and recrimination will
effect nothing; let us rather proceed at once to consider what is best
for the interest of both."

"Willingly," replied he. "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. You cannot have
every thing; and it would not be fair that our reconciliation should be
profitable to you only." "I did not anticipate, madam, in coming hither,
that you would command me to offer up myself as a sacrifice upon an
altar raised by you to the interests of your friends."

"Meaning to say, my lord duke, that you will keep every thing to
yourself. I cannot compliment y