'
'But it is impossible, sire,' I repeated.
'Impossible! When you have been longer in my service, sir, you will
understand that that is a word which I do not tolerate. I tell you that
it is settled.'
'My love is given to another, sire. It is not possible for me to
change.'
'Indeed!' said the Emperor coldly. 'If you persist in such a resolution
you cannot expect to retain your place in my household.'
Here was the whole structure which my ambition had planned out crumbling
hopelessly about my ears. And yet what was there for me to do?
'It is the bitterest moment of my life, sire,' said I, 'and yet I must
be true to the promise which I have given. If I have to be a beggar by
the roadside, I shall none the less marry Eugenie de Choiseul or no
one.'
The Empress had risen and had approached the window.
'Well, at least, before you make up your mind, Monsieur de Laval,' said
she, 'I should certainly take a look at this lady-in-waiting of mine,
whom you refuse with such indignation.'
With a quick rasping of rings she drew back the curtain of the second
window.
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