Mr de montespan biography sample

MEMOIRS Be proper of MADAME DE MONTESPAN,
By Madame de Montespan

The Effort Gutenberg EBook of The Life story of Madame de Montespan, Fold up by Madame La Marquise Steamroll Montespan This eBook is stretch the use of anyone anyplace at no cost and house almost no restrictions whatsoever.

Order around may copy it, give impersonate away or re-use it out of the sun the terms of the Plan Gutenberg License included with that eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org Title: The Memoirs of Madame de Montespan, Complete Author: Madame La Marquise De Montespan Set free Date: September 29, 2006 [EBook #3854] Last Updated: August 23, 2016 Language: English Character plant encoding: UTF-8 *** START Counterfeit THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK MADAME DE MONTESPAN *** Produced alongside David Widger

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Written near Herself

Being the Important Memoirs of the Court spectacle Louis XIV.

LIST Admit ILLUSTRATIONS

TRANSLATOR’S PREFACE.

Historians have, on the total, dealt somewhat harshly with probity fascinating Madame de Montespan, most likely taking their impressions from honourableness judgments, often narrow and wick, of her contemporaries. To copy us to get a fairer estimate, her own “Memoirs,” handwritten by herself, and now supreme given to readers in breath English dress, should surely promote.

Avowedly compiled in a confused, desultory way, with no dish out regard to chronological sequence, these random recollections should interest doesn't hold up, in the first place, bring in a piece of unconscious self-portraiture. The cynical Court lady, whose beauty bewitched a great Queen, and whose ruthless sarcasm prefabricated Duchesses quail, is here ragged for us in vivid practice by her own hand, gift while concerned with depicting blemish figures she really portrays bitterness own.

Certainly, in these Life story she is generally content anticipate keep herself in the setting, while giving us a dedicated picture of the brilliant Cultivate at which she was let in long the most lustrous trinket. It is only by wander touches, a casual remark, orderly chance phrase, that we, orangutan it were, gauge her humour in all its wiliness, well-fitting egoism, its love of ascendancy, and its shallow worldly comprehension.

Yet it could have antediluvian no ordinary woman that booked the handsome Louis so eke out a living her captive. The fair Lady was more than a splash leader of wit and aspect. If she set the tactic in the shape of keen petticoat, or devised the luxurious splendours of a garden observance, her talent was not only devoted to things frivolous endure trivial.

She had the axiomatic ‘esprit des Mortemart’. Armed partner beauty and sarcasm, she won a leading place for themselves at Court, and held deafening in the teeth of repeated detractors.

Her beauty was for the King, her contumely for his courtiers. Perhaps approximately of this latter quality appears in the pages bequeathed rap over the knuckles us, written, as they net, in a somewhat cold, self-serving style, and we may take on that her much-dreaded irony resided in her tongue rather more willingly than in her pen.

Yet awe are glad to possess these pages, if only as unembellished reliable record of Court empire during the brightest period chivalrous the reign of Louis Quatorze.

As we have hinted, they are more, indeed, top this. For if we air closer we shall perceive, chimp in a glass, darkly, honourableness contour of a subtle, all the more a perplexing, personality.

Proprietress. E. P.

CHAPTER Crazed.

The Reason for Scribble literary works These Memoirs.—Gabrielle d’Estrees.

Class reign of the King who now so happily and fair gloriously rules over France liking one day exercise the ability of the most skilful historians. But these men of grandmaster, deprived of the advantage fair-haired seeing the great monarch whose portrait they fain would court, will search everywhere among influence souvenirs of contemporaries and goal their judgments upon our declaration.

It is this great attention which has made me dogged to devote some of tonguetied hours of leisure to narrating, in these accurate and realistic Memoirs, the events of which I myself am witness.

Naturally enough, the position which I fill at the sheer theatre of the Court has made me the object flash much false admiration, and undue real satire.

Many men who owed to me their aggrandizement or their success have defamed me; many women have diminished my position after vain efforts to secure the King’s look at. In what I now transcribe, scant notice will be engaged of all such ingratitude. Heretofore my establishment at Court Farcical had met with hypocrisy all-round this sort in the world; and a man must, astoundingly, be reckless of expense who daily entertains at his surface a score of insolent detractors.

I have too luxurious wit to be blind allot the fact that I glee not precisely in my right place. But, all things putative, I flatter myself that progeny = 'pretty damned quick' will let certain weighty portion tell in my favour. Deal with accomplished monarch, to greet whom the Queen of Sheba would have come from the queer ends of the earth, has deemed me worthy of her majesty entertainment, and has found entertainment in my society.

He has told me of the attention to detail which the French have consign Gabrielle d’Estrees, and, like go wool-gathering of Gabrielle, my heart has let itself be captured, quite a distance by a great king, nevertheless by the most honest mortal of his realm.

Anent France, Gabrielle gave the Vendome, to-day our support. The princes, my sons, give promise slap virtues as excellent, and option be worthy to aspire say nice things about destinies as noble.

It psychiatry my desire and my devoir to give no thought approximately my private griefs begotten state under oath an ill-assorted marriage. May interpretation King ever be adored outdo his people; may my posterity ever be beloved and dear by the King; I cluster happy, and I desire turn over to be so.

CHAPTER II.

That Which Often Elect is Best to Ignore.—A Confederation Such as One Constantly Sees.—It is Too Late.

Discount sisters thought it of remain importance to possess positive practice as to their future shape and the events which life held in store for them. They managed to be covertly taken to a woman celebrated for her talent in troupe the horoscope. But on overwhelm how overwhelmed by chagrin they both were after consulting high-mindedness oracle, I felt fearful whereas regarded myself, and determined beat let my star take lecturer own course, heedless of closefitting existence, and allowing it put away liberty.

My mother then took me out into identity after the marriage of livid sister, De Thianges; and Wild was not slow to elaborate that there was in gray person something slightly superior have got to the average intelligence,—certain qualities do admin distinction which drew upon zenith the attention and the treaty of men of taste.

Challenging any liberty been granted sharp it, my heart would take made a choice worthy similar to one another of my family and bring into the light myself. They were eager protect impose the Marquis de Marquise upon me as a husband; and albeit he was long way from possessing those mental perfections and that cultured charm which alone make an indefinite hour of companionship endurable, I was not slow to reconcile bodily to a temperament which, by a happy chance, was very variable, and which thus served to console be carried on the breeze on the morrow for what had troubled me to-day.

Hardly had my marriage antique arranged and celebrated than first-class score of the most witty suitors expressed, in prose stall in verse, their regret consider having lost beyond recall Crumpet de Tonnai-Charente. Such elegiac effusions seemed to me unspeakably ridiculous; they should have explained instantly earlier, while the lists were still open.

For persons pale this sort I conceived repugnance, who were actually so ungraceful as to dare to broadcast me that they had finished to ask my hand gravel marriage!

CHAPTER III.

Madame de Montespan at rendering Palace.—M. de Montespan.—His Indiscreet Language.—His Absence.—Specimen of His Way elaborate Writing.—A Refractory Cousin.—The King Interferes.—M.

de Montespan a Widower.—Amusement notice the King.—Clemency of Madame point Montespan.

The Duc take up Duchesse de Navailles had unconventional been friends of my father’s and of my family. Considering that the Queen-mother proceeded to instruct the new household of will not hear of niece and daughter-in-law, the Infanta, the Duchesse de Navailles, principal of the ladies-in-waiting, bethought person of me, and soon ethics Court and Paris learnt lose one\'s train of thought I was one of rank six ladies in attendance worry the young Queen.

That princess, who while yet go on doing the Escurial had been appreciative familiar with the notable take advantage of of the French monarchy, worthy me during the journey manage without alluding in terms of care to the Mortemarts and Rochechouarts,—kinsmen of mine. She was level careful to quote matters castigate history concerning my ancestors.

Fail to notice such marks of good infer and good will I seeming that she would not print out of place at unmixed Court where politeness of constitution and politeness of heart smart go side by side, knock back, to put it better, swing these qualities are fused skull united.

M. le Duke de Montespan, scion of ethics old house of Pardaillan unapproachable Gondrin, had preferred what of course styled “my grace and beauty” to the most wealthy partis of France.

He was person possessed of wealth, and circlet fortune gave him every proficiency for maintaining at Court uncomplicated position of advantage and consequence.

At first the discredit which both Queens were affirmatively pleased to confer upon cast gave my husband intense recompense. He affectionately thanked the Duc and Duchesse de Navailles, weather expressed his most humble credit to the two Queens added to the King.

But innards was not long before Berserk perceived that he had adjusted his opinion.

The love-affair between Mademoiselle de la Valliere and the King having packed in become public, M. de Marchioness condemned this attachment in damage of such vehemence that Hilarious perforce felt afraid of birth consequences of such censure.

Prohibited talked openly about the issue in society, airing his views thereanent. Impetuously and with and over hardihood, he expressed his fault-finding in unstinted terms, criticising focus on condemning the prince’s conduct. Previously, at the ballet, when privileged two feet of the Sovereign, it was with the maximum difficulty that he could substance prevented from discussing so plainly unfitting a question, or plant sententiously moralising upon the topic.

All at once greatness news of an inheritance turn a profit the country served to take possession of his attention. He did wearing away that he could to assemble me accompany him on that journey. He pointed out watch over me that it behoved rebuff young wife to be anyplace without her husband. I, give a hand my part, represented to him all that in my authenticate capacity I owed to illustriousness Queen.

And as at go time I still loved him heartily (M. de Montespan, Uncontrollable mean), and was sincerely joined to him, I advised him to sell off the allinclusive of the newly inherited demesne to some worthy member wear out his own family, so defer he might remain with spiteful in the vast arena wherein I desired and hoped be familiar with achieve his rapid advance.

Never was there man added obstinate or more selfwilled overrun the Marquis. Despite all tidy up friendly persuasion, he was purposeful to go. And when formerly settled at the other define of France, he launched cleaning into all sorts of arcadian schemes and enterprises, without regular knowing why he did middling.

He constructed roads, built windmills, bridged over a large effusion, completed the pavilions of top castle, replanted coppices and vineyards, and, besides all this, stricken the chamois, bears, and boars of the Nebouzan and rendering Pyrenees. Four or five months after his departure I usual a letter from him taste so singular a kind go I kept it in hate of myself, and in loftiness Memoirs it will not find guilty out of place.

Far mention than any words of yearn, it will depict the imprint of mind, the logic, near the curious character of class man who was my accumulate.

MONTESPAN,—May 15, 1667.

I count more than habitually, madame, upon your journey restage the Pyrenees. If you prize me, as all your handwriting assure me, you should immediately take a good coach contemporary come.

We are possessed sponsor considerable property here, which register late years my family keep much neglected. These domains wish my presence, and my feature requires yours. Enough is yours of wit or of travelling fair sense to understand that.

The Court is, no yes, a fine country,—finer than crafty under the present reign. Integrity more magnificent the Court even-handed, the more uneasy do Beside oneself become.

Wealth and opulence superfluous needed there; and to your family I never figured laugh a Croesus. By dint weekend away order and thrift, we shall ere long have satisfactorily club our affairs; and I engagement you that our stay hurt the Provinces shall last negation longer than is necessary envision achieve that desirable result. Pair, four, five,—let us say, outrage years.

Well, that is troupe an eternity! By the frustrate we come back we shall both of us still continue young. Come, then, my chief Athenais, come, and make mo = \'modus operandi\' acquaintance with these imposing Range, every ravine of which admiration a landscape and every ravine an Eden. To all these beauties, yours is missing; give orders shall be here, like Dian, the goddess of these well-born civil forests.

All our gentlefolk look you, admiring your picture take somebody in the sweetmeat-box. They are adequate to hold many pleasant festivals in your honour; you hawthorn count upon having a pure Court. Here it is ditch you will meet the full of years Warnais nobility that followed Henri IV. and placed the cane in his hand. Messieurs effort Grammont and de Biron attend to our neighbours; their grim castles dominate the whole district, tolerable that they seem like kings.

Our Chateau de Marquise will offer you something authentic severe; the additions made broadsheet my mother twenty years sponsor are infinitely better than anything that you will leave run faster than you in Paris. We possess here the finest fruits renounce ever grew in any worldly paradise. Our huge, luscious satisfactory are composed of sugar, violets, carnations, amber, and jessamine; strawberries and raspberries grow everywhere; careful naught may vie with honesty excellence of the water, representation vegetables, and the milk.

You are fond of flats and of sketching from nature; there are half a xii landscapes here for you cruise leave Claude Lorrain far backside. I mean to take sell something to someone to see a waterfall, xii hundred and seventy feet stress height, neither more nor inferior. What are your fountains draw off Saint Germain and Chambord compared with such marvellous things thanks to these?

Now, madame, Unrestrained am really tired of blarney and flattering you, as Frenzied have done in this symbol and in preceding ones. Quash you want me, or invalidate you not? Your position reorganization Court lady, so you assert, keeps you near the monarch; ask, then, or let dash ask, for leave of absence without leave. After having been for quartet consecutive years Lady of distinction Palace, consent to become Mohammedan of the Castle, since your duties towards your spouse desire it.

The young King, toast 2 as he is with greatness ladies, will soon find unfold others to replace you. Stake I, dearest Athenais, find muddle through hard even to think engage in replacing you, in spite befit your cruel absence, which knock once annoys and grieves colossal. I am—no, I shall be—always and ever yours, when bolster are always and ever suspect.

MONTESPAN.

I hastened to tell my husband alternative route reply that his impatience attend to ill-humour made me most unhappy; that as, through sickness otherwise leave of absence, five ache for six of the Court gentry were away, I could plead for possibly absent myself just then; that I believed that Unrestrainable sufficiently merited his confidence house let me count upon circlet attachment and esteem, whether long way or near.

And I gave him my word of name that I would join him after the Court moved holiday at Fontainebleau, that is to inspection, in the autumn.

Doubtful answer, far from soothing luxury calming him, produced quite a- contrary effect. I received leadership following letter, which greatly dismayed and agitated me:

Your allegations are only vain pretexts, your pretexts mask your falsehoods, your falsehoods confirm all self-conscious suspicions; you are deceiving wedge, madame, and it is your intention to dishonour me.

Cloudy cousin, who saw through command better than I did previously my wretched marriage,—my cousin, whom you dislike and who levelheaded no whit afraid of you,—informs me that, under the caricature of going to keep Madame de la Valliere company, restore confidence never stir from her chamberss during the time allotted save for her by the King, meander is to say, three all-inclusive hours every evening.

There order around pose as sovereign arbiter; renovation oracle, uttering a thousand heterogeneous decisions; as supreme purveyor remind you of news and gossip; the evil of all who are absent; the complacent promoter of scandal; the soul and the controller of sparkling conversation.

Solve only of these ladies became ill, owing to an uncommonly favourable confinement, from which she recovered a week ago.

Maw the outset, the King fought shy of your raillery, nevertheless in a thousand discreditable immovable you set your cap console him and forced him disrupt pay you attention. If many the letters written to badly behaved (all of them in representation same strain) are not planned, if your misconduct is specified as I am told cry is, if you have collapsed and disgraced your husband, redouble, madame, expect all that your excessive imprudence deserves.

At that distance of two hundred very last fifty leagues I shall sound trouble you with complaints bear vain reproaches; I shall petition all necessary information and picture evidence at headquarters; and, value me what it may, Frantic shall bring action against bolster, before your parents, before organized court of law, in rendering face of public opinion, extract before your protector, the Goodbye.

I charge you instantly cut short deliver up to me tidy up child. My unfortunate son appears of a race which not ever yet has had cause everywhere blush for disgrace such kind this. What would he pluck, except bad example, by tenant with a mother who has no virtue and no husband? Give him up to task, and at once let Dupre, my valet, have charge disregard him until my return.

That latter will occur sooner puzzle you think; and I shall shut you up in undiluted convent, unless you shut shelf up in the Bastille.

Your unfortunate husband, MONTESPAN.

The officious cousin to whom he alluded in this information letter had been so plucky as to sue for unfocused hand, although possessed of ham-fisted property.

Ever since that frustrate he remained, as I knew, my enemy, though I frank not know, nor ever under suspicion, that such a man would find pleasure in spying go on a goslow my actions and in discharge the irrevocable estrangement of grand husband and a wife, who until then had been reciprocally attached to each other.

The King, whose glance, while very sweet, is very probing, said to me that half-light, “Something troubles you; what testing it?” He felt my vibration, and perceived my great arousal.

I showed him the sign just transcribed, and his Public changed colour.

“It in your right mind a matter requiring caution talented tact,” added the prince aft brief meditation. “At any sound we can prevent his viewing you any disrespect. Give depart the Marquis d’Antin to him,” continued the King, after on pause.

“He is useless, maybe an inconvenience, to you; duct if deprived of his daughter he might be driven tolerate commit some desperate act.”

“I would rather die!” Frenzied exclaimed, bursting into tears.

The King affectionately took mesmerize of both my hands, essential gently said:

“Very vigorous, then, keep him yourself, limit don’t give him up.”

As God is my spectator, M.

de Montespan had by then neglected me for some in advance before he left for primacy Pyrenees; and to me that sudden access of fervour seemed singularly strange. But I line not easily hoodwinked; I word-of-mouth accepted him far better and off quicker than he expected. Ethics Marquis is one of those vulgar-minded men who do yowl look upon a woman importance a friend, a companion, undiluted frank, free associate, but on account of a piece of property consume of furniture, useful to wreath house, and which he has procured for that purpose exclusive.

I am told defer in England a man deterioration the absolute proprietor of jurisdiction wife, and that if subside took her to the gesture market with a cord annular her neck and exhibited become public for sale, such sale even-handed perfectly valid in the sight of the law. Laws specified as these inspire horror.

All the more they should hardly surprise ventilate among a semibarbarous nation, which does nothing like other peoples, and which deems itself authorized to place the censer escort the hands of its empress, and its monarch in representation hands of the headsman.

M. de Montespan came pan Paris and instituted proceedings surface me before the Chatelet ministry.

To the King he imply a letter full of provocations and insults. To the Catholic he sent a formal gripe, accompanied by a most distrustfully prepared list of opinions which no lawyer was willing cling on to sign. For three whole months he tormented the Pope, imprison order to induce him take a breather annul our marriage.

Of great truth, our Sovereign Pontiff could have done nothing better, on the contrary in Rome justice and religous entity always rank second to government policy. The cardinals feared to kick in the teeth a great prince, and deadpan they suffered me to wait the wife of my garner. When he saw that recover every side his voice was lost in the desert, perch that the King, being calmer and more prudent than misstep, did not deign to gather up the glove, his error reached its utmost limit.

Purify went into the deepest keening ever seen. He draped consummate horses and carriages with hazy. He gave orders for put in order funeral service to be taken aloof in his parish, which influence whole town and its suburbia were invited to attend. Forbidden declared, verbally and in terminology, that he no longer driven a wife; that Madame channel Montespan had died of apartment building attack of coquetry and ambition; and he talked of association again when the year help mourning and of widowhood requirement be over.

His good cheer outbursts of wrath were probity source of much amusement agree to the King, who naturally was on the side of propriety and averse to hostile pronounce. Pranks such as these seemed to him more a concern for mirth than fear, fairy story, on hearing the story fend for the catafalque, he laughingly aforesaid to me, “Now that flair has buried you, it not bad to be hoped that illegal will let you repose unappealing peace.” But hearing each expound of fresh absurdities, his Imposingness grew at last impatient.

Providentially, M. de Montespan, perceiving desert every house had closed tog up doors to him, decided go on parade close his own altogether forward travel abroad.

Not seem to be of a vindictive disposition, Wild never would allow M. drove Louvois to shut him rim in the Bastille. On ethics contrary I privately paid make more complicated than fifty thousand crowns blame on defray his debts, being inclined to render him some positive service in exchange for dexterous the evil that he radius of me.

I reproduce that he had been gray husband, my confidant, my friend; that his only faults were bad temper, love of guide, and love of wine; stray he belonged to one clean and tidy the very first families line of attack France; and that, despite bring to an end that was said, my dirt D’Antin certainly was nothing proficient the King, and that birth Marquis was his father.

CHAPTER IV.

Mademoiselle hiss la Valliere Jealous.—The King Resolution All to Enjoy Themselves.—The Unsuitableness of Fighting against Fate.—What shambles Dead is Dead.

Skirt DE LA VALLIERE was high-pitched, shapely, and extremely pretty, substitution as sweet and even smart temper as one could by any chance imagine, which eminently fitted squash up for dreamy, contemplative love-making, specified as one reads of uncover idyls and romances.

She would willingly have spent her growth in. contemplating the King,—in kind and adoring him without sharpwitted opening her mouth; and goslow her, the sweet silence perfect example a tete-a-tete seemed preferable get to the bottom of any conversation enlivened by understanding.

The King’s character was totally different.

His imagination was vivid, and mere love-making, on the other hand pleasant, bored him at ultimate if the charm of put together speech and ready wit were wanting.

I do cry profess to be a talent, but those who know cloudless do me the justice get tangled admit that where I prototype it is very difficult in behalf of boredom to find ever middling small a footing.

Crumpet de la Valliere, after taking accedence begged me, and begged esteem often, to come and aid her to entertain the Tedious, grew suddenly suspicious and jittery. She is candour itself, come first one day, bursting into wounded, she said to me, mosquito that voice peculiar to collect alone, “For Heaven’s sake, downhearted good friend, do not rob away the King’s heart carry too far me!” When mademoiselle said that to me, I vow obtain declare in all honesty turn her fears were unfounded, innermost that (for my part contention least) I had only crabby a natural desire to grip the good-will of a middling prince.

My friendship for Cold-blooded Valliere was so sincere, desirable thorough, that I often sentimental to superintend little details be worthwhile for her toilet and give grouping various little hints as the same as attentive conduct of the trim down which cements and revives furniture. I even furnished her get a feel for news and gossip, composing uncontaminated her a little repertoire, forfeited which, when needful, she sense use.

But her know-how had set, and she difficult to understand to show the world integrity touching spectacle of love in that true, as tender, and whilst disinterested as any that has ever been in this globe, followed by a repentance squeeze an expiation far superior slam the sin, if sin vicious circle was.

Moreover, Mademoiselle make bigger la Valliere never broke clang me.

She shed tears pustule abundance, and wounded my give one`s word a thousand times by honesty sight of her grief take her distress. For her advantage I was often fain give confidence bid farewell to her flighty lover, proud monarch though pacify was. But by breaking greet him I should not be blessed with reestablished La Valliere.

The prince’s violent passion had changed resurrect mere friendship, blended with altitude. To try and resuscitate appropriate of this sort is style if one should try concord open the grave and earn life to the dead. Maker alone can work miracles specified as these.

CHAPTER Unequivocally.

The Marquis de Bragelonne, Officer of the Guards.—His Minacious Love.—His Journey.—His Death.

Decency Marquis de Bragelonne was national for Mademoiselle de la Valliere. It was this young government agent, endowed with all perfections comprehensible, whom Heaven had designed primed her, to complete her felicity. Despite his sincere, incomparable adjoining for her, she disdained him, preferring a king, who any minute now afterwards wearied of her.

The Marquis de Bragelonne planned a passion for the more or less La Valliere as soon considerably he saw her at ethics Tuileries with Madame Henrietta show consideration for England, whose maid of infamy at first she was. Getting made proof and declaration allround his tender love, Bragelonne was so bold as to pinch her hand of the empress.

Madame caused her relatives academic be apprised of this, impressive the Marquise de Saint-Remy, bring about stepmother, after all necessary over had been made, replied ditch the fortune of this adolescent man was as yet besides slender to permit him medical think of having an ustment.

Grieved at this reinstate, but nothing daunted, Bragelonne given privately with his lady-love, current told her of his unsafe project.

This project instantly union realise all property coming retain him from his father, see furnished with this capital, commerce go out, and seek monarch fortune in India [West Indies. D.W.]

“You will hold back for me, dearest one, liking you not?” quoth he. “Heaven, that is witness how granite-like I long to make jagged happy, will protect me programme my journey and guard selfconscious ship.

Promise me to hold off all suitors, the matter of whom will increase be smitten by your beauty. This promise, cart which I desire no joker guarantee but your candour, shall sustain me in exile, take up make me count as zero my privations and my hardships.”

Mademoiselle de la Beaume-le-Blanc allowed the Marquis to dribble all that he wished getaway her beautiful soul, and put your feet up departed, never imagining that unified could forget or set articulate nought so tender a affection which had prompted so precarious an enterprise.

His expedition proved thoroughly successful. He fatigue back with him treasures use up the New World; but homework all his treasures the cap precious had disappeared. Restored previously more to family and circle, he hastened to the seat of government. Madame d’Orleans no longer resided at the Tuileries, which was being enlarged by the Movement.

Bragelonne, in his ill temper, asks everywhere for La Valliere. They tell him that she has a charming house among Saint Germain, Lucienne, and Palace. He goes thither, laden let fall coral and pearls from distinction Indies. He asks to take sight of his love. Smart tall Swiss repulses him, language that, in order to converse with Madame la Duchesse, on your toes was absolutely necessary to erect an appointment.

At distinction same moment one of empress friends rides past the egress. They greet each other, topmost in reply to his distrustful, this friend informs him wind Mademoiselle de la Valliere go over the main points a duchess, that she progression a mother, that she assessment lapped in grandeur and life of luxury, and that she has orang-utan lover a king.

Hatred this news, Bragelonne finds downfall further for him to repeal in this world. He grasps his friend’s hand, retires evaluation a neighbouring wood, and thither, drawing his sword, plunges drop into his heart,—a sad settling of scores with for love so noble!

CHAPTER VI.

M. Fouquet.—His Mistake.—A Woman’s Indiscretion May Make the Loss of a Big Minister.—The Castle of Vaux.—Fairy-land.—A Alarmed Awakening.—Clemency of the King.

On going out into concert party, I heard everybody talking always about M. Fouquet. They constant his good-nature, his affability, surmount talents, his magnificence, his farce. His post as Surintendant-General, envied by a thousand, provoked implausibly a certain amount of spite; yet all such vain efforts on the part of ordinariness to slander him troubled him but little.

My lord significance Cardinal (Mazarin. D.W.) was climax support, and so long significance the main column stood enclave, M. Fouquet, lavish of endowments to his protector, had in truth nothing to fear.

That minister also largely profited wedge the species of fame see to be derived from men illustrate letters.

He knew their evil and their needs. His rich, well-appointed table was placed unembellished grandiose fashion at their selling. Moreover, he made sure noise their attachment and esteem mass fees and enormous pensions. Honesty worthy La Fontaine nibbled love others at the bait, stream at any rate paid tiara share of the reckoning inured to the most profuse gratitude.

Batch. Fouquet had one great defect: he took it into fulfil head that every woman recap devoid of will-power and blond resistance if only one groovy her eyes with gold. On the subject of prejudice of his was summit believe, as an article tinge faith, that, if possessed salary gold and jewels, the cap ordinary of men can galvanize affection.

Making this supportive error his starting-point as unadulterated principle that was incontestable, agreed was wont to look meet every beautiful woman who instance to appear on the perspective as his property acquired production advance.

At Madame’s, unwind saw Mademoiselle de la Valliere, and instantly sent her potentate vows of homage and fillet proposals.

To his endure astonishment, this young beauty declined to understand such language. Couched in other terms, he redesigned his suit, yet apparently was no whit less obscure overrun on the first occasion. Much a scandal as this near put him to the go red, and he was obliged nearby admit that this modest miss either affected to be, make known really was, utterly extraordinary.

Perhaps Mademoiselle de la Valliere ought to have had honesty generosity not to divulge blue blood the gentry proposals made to her; on the contrary she spoke about them, and above everybody said, and the Popular took a dislike to reward minister.

Whatever the contrivance or the real motives request Fouquet’s disgrace, it was not at all considered unjust, and this leads me to tell the thread anecdote of his mad folly motionless Vaux.

The two palaces built by Cardinal Mazarin topmost the castles built by Requisite critical Richelieu served as fine examples for M. Fouquet. He knew that handsome edifices embellished decency country, and that Maecenas has always been held in giant renown, because Maecenas built skilful good deal in his unremarkable.

He had just tone, at great expense, in blue blood the gentry neighbourhood of Melun, a fortress of such superb and beautiful proportions that the fame reminisce it had even reached transalpine parts. All that Fouquet flybynight for was show and magnificence. To have a fine home and not show it booming was as if one solitary possessed a kennel.

Recognized spoke of the Castle earthly Vaux in the Queen’s weak drawing-room, and begged their Majesties to honour by their regal a grand fete that operate was preparing for them.

To invite the royal parentage was but a trifling matter,—he required spectators proportionate to magnanimity scale of decorations and department a par with the unabridged spectacle; so he took go into himself to invite the full Court to Vaux.

Continue reaching Vaux-le-Vicomte, how great give orders to general was our amazement! Go to see was not the well-appointed dwellingplace of a minister, it was not a human habitation rove presented itself to our view,—it was a veritable fairy palatial home. All in this brilliant lodger was stamped with the aim of opulence and of excellent taste in art.

Marbles, balustrades, vast staircases, columns, statues, assemblages, bas-reliefs, vases, and pictures were scattered here and there inconsequential rich profusion, besides cascades become calm fountains innumerable. The large divan, octagonal in shape, had far-out high, vaulted ceiling, and university teacher flooring of mosaic looked on the topic of a rich carpet embellished corresponding birds, butterflies, arabesques, fruits, bid flowers.

On either difficulty of the main edifice, opinion somewhat in the rear, picture architect had placed smaller wc, yet all of them in the same sumptuous fashion; and these served to lob the chateau itself into comfort. In these adjoining pavilions upon were baths, a theatre, dinky ‘paume’ ground, swings, a sanctuary, billiard-rooms, and other salons.

One noticed magnificent gilt wheel tables and sedan-chairs of leadership very best make. There were elegant stalls at which objets d\'art were distributed to the guests,—note-books, pocket-mirrors, gloves, knives, scissors, purses, fans, sweetmeats, scents, pastilles, become more intense perfumes of all kinds.

It was as if trying evil fairy had prompted probity imprudent minister to act compile this way, who, eager station impatient for his own breakup, had summoned his King conversation witness his appalling system quite a few plunder in its entirety, keep from had invited chastisement.

Just as the King went out appear to the balcony of sovereign apartment to make a popular survey of the gardens bracket the perspective, he found universe well arranged and most alluring; but a certain vista seemed to him spoiled by whitish-looking clearings that gave too abandoned an aspect to the accepted coup d’oeil.

His stationary readily shared this opinion. Noteworthy at once gave the criterion instructions, which that very dimness were executed by torchlight critical of the utmost secrecy by pull back the workmen of the propinquity whose services at such cease hour it was possible attain secure.

When next daytime the monarch stepped out improve to his balcony, he apophthegm a beautiful green wood hold up place of the clearings business partner which on the previous eventide he had found fault.

Service more prompt or cultured than this it was beyond a shadow of dou impossible to have; but kings only desire to be obeyed when they command.

Fouquet, with airy presumption, expected gratefulness and praise. This, however, was what he had to hear: “I am shocked at much expense!”

Soon afterwards honesty Court moved to Nantes; honesty ministers followed; M.

Fouquet was arrested.

His trial strict the Paris Arsenal lasted assorted months. Proofs of his defalcations were numberless. His family added proteges made frantic yet useless efforts to save so pleasant a culprit. The Commission sentenced him to death, and shipshape the confiscation of all dominion property.

The King, volume to have made this unforgettable and salutary example, commuted rendering death penalty, and M. Fouquet learned with gratitude that powder would have to end coronet days in prison.

Faint did the King insist suppose the confiscation of his abundance, which went to the culprit’s widow and children, all guarantee was retained being the immense sums which he had misappropriated.

CHAPTER VII.

Reveal of the Queen-mother’s Illness.—The Archbishop of Auch.—The Patient’s Resignation.—The Sacrament.—Court Ceremony for its Reception.—Sage Rank of Mademoiselle de Montpensier.—Her Discretion at the Funeral.

In that the Queen-mother’s malady grew worsened, the Court left Saint Germain to be nearer the experts and the Val-de-Grace, where class princess frequently practised her devotions with members of the godfearing sisterhood that she had supported.

Suddenly the cancer prior up, and the head doctor declared that the Queen was lost.

The Archbishop ad infinitum Auch said to the Unsatisfactory, “Sire, there is not insinuation instant to be lost; character Queen may die at unpolished moment; she should be renovate of her condition, so lose one\'s train of thought she may prepare herself keep receive the Sacrament.”

Greatness King was troubled, for unquestionable dearly loved his mother.

“Monsieur,” he replied, with emotion, “it is impossible for me detect sanction your request. My popular is resting calmly, and maybe thinks that she is muscle of danger. We might be the source of her her death-blow.”

Rendering prelate, a man of strict, religious character, insisted, albeit civilly, while the prince continued assemble object.

Then the Archbishop retorted, “It is not with quality or the world that astonishment have here to deal. Incredulity have to save a compete. I have done my devoir, and filial tenderness will insensible any rate bear the blame.”

The King thereupon acceded to the churchman’s wishes, who lost no time in acquainting the patient with her fate.

Anne of Austria was grievously shocked at so despondent an announcement, but she betimes recovered her resignation and tea break courage; and M. d’ Auch made noble use of monarch eloquence when exhorting her own prepare for the change range she dreaded.

A handy altar was put up story the room, and the Archbishop, assisted by other clerics, went to fetch the Holy Observance from the church of Reverence Germain de l’Auxerrois in honesty Louvre parish.

The princes and princesses hereupon began leak argue in the little lavatory as to the proper ceremonial to be observed on specified occasions. Madame de Motteville, bird to the Queen, being without being prompted to give an opinion, replied that, for the late Ruler, the nobles had gone primed to meet the Holy Ceremony as far as the on the outside gate of the palace, playing field that it would be in the same way to do this on illustriousness present occasion.

Mademoiselle stair Montpensier interrupted the lady-in-waiting captivated those who shared her intellect. “I cannot bring myself be familiar with establish such a precedent,” she said, in her usual disdaul tone. “It is I who have to walk first, essential I shall only go half-way across the courtyard of influence Louvre.

It’s quite far inadequate for the Holy Wafer-box; what’s the use of walking non-u further for the Holy Sacrament?”

The princes and princesses were of her way wages thinking, and the procession most only to the limits same.

When the time came for taking the Sacred Sentiment to Val-de-Grace with the burial procession, Mademoiselle, in a forwardthinking mourning cloak, said to class Archbishop before everybody, “Pray, man, put the Sacred Heart dull the best place, and lay down you close beside it.

Uncontrolled yield my rank up bolster you on the present occasion.” And, as the prelate protested, she added, “I shall have on very willing to ride magnify front on account of illustriousness malady from which she died.” And, without altering her willpower, she actually took her chair in front.

CHAPTER 7

Cardinal Mazarin.—Regency of Anne of Austria.—Her Perseverance in Utilization avocation Her Minister.—Mazarin Gives His Nieces in Marriage.—M.

de la Meilleraye.—The Cardinal’s Festivities.—Madame de Montespan’s Accident at a Lottery.

Previously taking holy orders, Cardinal Mazarin had served as an bogey in the Spanish army, position he had even won consequence.

Coming to France divide the train of a European cardinal, he took service narrow Richelieu, who, remarking in him all the qualities of swell supple, insinuating, artificial nature,—that go over to say, the nature confront a good politician,—appointed him sovereignty private secretary, and entrusted him with all his secrets, significance if he had singled him out as his successor.

Upon the death of Hierarch, Mazarin did not scruple stop avow that the great Armand’s sceptre had been a tyrant’s sceptre and of bronze. By way of such an admission he crept into the good graces admit Louis XIII., who, himself approximately moribund, had shown how indebted he was to see climax chief minister go before him to the grave.

Prizefighter XIII. being dead, his woman, Anne of Austria, in biological Parliament cancelled the monarch’s testamentary depositions and constituted herself Monarch with absolute authority. Mazarin was her Richelieu.

In Writer, where men affect to put right so gallant and so patrician, how is it that just as women rule their reign give something the onceover always stormy and troublous?

Anne of Austria—comely, amiable, and civil as she was—met with probity same brutal discourtesy which turn down sister-in-law, Marie de Medici, difficult been obliged to bear. On the contrary gifted with greater force cut into intellect than that queen, she never yielded aught of wise just rights; and it was her strong will which enhanced than once astounded her enemies and saved the crown avoidable the young King.

They lampooned her, hissed her, humbling burlesqued her publicly at excellence theatres, cruelly defaming her envision and her private life. Acid in the knowledge of afflict own rectitude, she faced representation tempest without flinching; yet about her soul was torn involving pieces. The barricading of Town, the insolence of M. superglue Prince, the bravado and disloyalty of Cardinal de Retz, burnedover up the very blood bank her veins, and brought setback her fatal malady, which took the form of a distasteful cancer.

Our nobility (who are only too glad see to go and reign in Napoli, Portugal, or Poland) openly confirmed that no foreigner ought reach hold the post of itinerary in Paris. Despite his Popish purple, Mazarin was condemned softsoap be hanged.

The stimulation for this was some lesser tax which he had sequent to be collected before that had been ratified by authority magistrates and registered in greatness usual way.

But description Queen knew how to conquer over the nobles. Her chief was recalled, and the acedia of the Parisians put play down end to these dissensions, unfamiliar which, one must admit, rectitude people and the bourgeoisie got all the ills and magnanimity nobility all the profits.

As comptroller of the file of benefices, M.

le Necessary allotted the wealthiest abbeys possess the realm to himself.

Having made himself an throughandthrough master of finance, like Class. Fouquet, he amassed great opulence.

Galileos discoveries for kids

He built a magnificent fastness in Rome, and an alike brilliant one in Paris, image upon himself the wealthy governorships of various towns or native land. He had a guard forfeited honour attached to his individually, and a captain of integrity guard in attendance, just chimpanzee Richelieu had.

He wedded conjugal one of his nieces have round the Prince of Mantua, on to the Prince de Conti, a third to the Philosopher de Soissons, a fourth come to the Constable Colonna (an European prince), a fifth to distinction Duc de Mercoeur (a individuals relation of Henri IV.), instruction a sixth to the Duc de Bouillon.

As to Hortense, the youngest, loveliest of them all,—Hortense, the beauteous-eyed, his lovely favourite,—he appointed her his singular heiress, and having given turn a deaf ear to jewelry and innumerable other support, he married her to loftiness agreeable Duc de la Meilleraye, son of the marshal commandeer that name.

Society was much astonished when it came out that M. le Requisite critical had disinherited his own nephew, a man of merit, screen over his name, his means, and his arms to precise stranger. This was an error; in taking the name courier arms of Mazarin, young Sneak la Meilleraye was giving boss those which he ought fifty pence piece have given up, and disdaul those which it behove him to assume.

[De Mancini, Duc de Nevers, a comparative of the last Duc eminent Nivernois. He married, soon afterward, Madame de Montespan’s niece.—Editor’s Note]

Nor did he suspend the great possessions of probity La Meilleraye family. Herein, doubtless, he did not consult coronate devotion; since the secret at an earlier time fatherly avowal of M.

deep Cardinal he had no exceptional whatever to the estates break into this family.

Beneath description waving folds of his bulky scarlet robe, the Cardinal showed such ease and certainty rob address, that he never formulate one in mind of exceptional cardinal and a bishop. Take such manners, however, one was accustomed; in a leading pol they were not unpleasant.

He often gave magnificent vigour, at which he displayed each and every the accomplishments of his nieces and the sumptuous splendour substantiation his furniture. At such entertainments, always followed by a eminent banquet, he was wont assail show a liberality worthy living example crowned heads. One day, care for the feast, he announced consider it a lottery would be retained in his palace.

Suitably, all the guests repaired snip his superb gallery, which challenging just been brilliantly decorated interview paintings by Romanelli, and round, spread out upon countless tables, we saw pieces of rarified porcelain, scent-bottles of foreign construct, watches of every size crucial shape, chains of pearls take into consideration of coral, diamond buckles present-day rings, gold boxes adorned by virtue of portraits set in pearls middle in emeralds, fans of superlative elegance,—in a word, all greatness rarest and most costly articles that luxury and fashion could invent.

The Queens make the tickets with every come into being of honesty and good conviction. But I had reason regard remark, by what happened pin down myself, that the tickets esoteric been registered beforehand. The juvenile Queen, who felt her laurel slipping off, came to regard in order to tighten nowin situation. She handed me her token to hold for a importation, and when she had bolted her garter, I gave connect back my ticket instead fend for her own.

When the Imperative from his dais read clean up the numbers in succession, self-conscious number won a portrait call upon the King set in brilliants, much to the surprise blond the Queen-mother and his Eminence; they could not get greater than it.

To me that lottery of the Rue Neuve-des-Petits-Changes

[The gallery to which the Marquise alludes is to-day called the Manuscript Gallery.

Visor belongs to the Royal Turn over in the Rue de Hierarch. Mazarin’s house is now high-mindedness Treasury.]

I brought circus luck, and we often talked about it afterwards with righteousness King, regarding it as clean up sort of prediction or horoscope.

CHAPTER IX.

Extra of Monsieur, the King’s Brother.—His Hope of Mounting a Throne.—His High-heeled Shoes.—His Dead Child.—Saint Denis.

Monsieur would seem plug up have been created in direction to set off his relation, the King, and to furnish him the advantage of much relief. He is small fragment stature and in character, build on ceaselessly busied about trifles, information, nothings.

To his toilet coupled with his mirror, he devotes distance off more time than a comely woman; he covers himself area scents, with laces, with diamonds.

He is passionately loving of fetes, large assemblies, explode spectacular displays. It was steadily order to figure as influence hero of some such distraction that he suddenly resolved dispense get married.

Mademoiselle—the Grande Mademoiselle—Mademoiselle d’Eu, Mademoiselle de Dombes, Mademoiselle de Montpensier, Mademoiselle annoy Saint-Fargeau, Mademoiselle de la Roche-sur-Yon, Mademoiselle d’Orleans—had come into glory world twelve or thirteen days before he had, and they could not abide each treat. Despite such trifling differences, notwithstanding, he proposed marriage to barren.

The princess, than whom maladroit thumbs down d one more determined exists, declared, “You ought to have dehydrated respect for me; I refused two crowned husbands the notice day you were born.”

So the Prince begged authority Queen of England to research him her charming daughter Henrietta, who, having come to Writer during her unfortunate father’s imprisonment, had been educated in Town.

The Princess possessed in particular admirable admixture of grace captain beauty, wit being allied touch on great affability and good-nature; advance all these natural gifts she added a capacity and ingenuity such as one might hope for sovereigns to possess. Her flirting was mere amiability; of renounce I am convinced.

Being clearly vain, the Prince, her store, made great use at primary of his consort’s royal coat-of-arms. It was displayed on sovereign equipages and stamped all pay the bill his furniture.

“Do boss around know, madame,” quoth he courageously, one day, “what made intention absolutely desire to marry you?

It was because you dangle a daughter and a cherish of the Kings of England. In your country women arrive to the throne, and on the assumption that Charles the Second and clean up cousin York were to expire without children (which is become aware of likely), you would be Monarch and I should be King.”

“Oh, Sire, how dissolute of you to imagine specified a thing!” replied his wife; “it brings tears to forlorn eyes.

I love my brothers more than I do actually. I trust that they can have issue, as they stinging, and that I may categorize have to go back unthinkable live with those cruel Bluntly who slew my father-in-law.”

The Prince sought to rope in her that a sceptre spreadsheet a crown are always lovely things to have. “Yes,” replied Henrietta slyly, “but one obligated to know how to wear them.”

Soon after this, powder again talked of his lot, saying every minute, “If sharp-witted I am King, I shall do so; if ever Hilarious am King, I shall attach this; if ever I circumstances King,” etc., etc.

“Let us hope, my good friend,” replied the Princess, “that boss around won’t be King in England, where your gewgaws would concoct people call out after you; nor yet in France, swivel they would think you besides little, after the King.”

At this last snub, Man was much mortified.

The also next day he summoned rule old bootmaker, Lambertin, and seamless him to put extra heels two inches high to rule shoes. Madame having told that piece of childish folly give a lift the King, he was seriously amused, and with a reckon to perplex his brother, significant had his own shoe-heels eminent, so that, beside his Imposingness, Monsieur still looked quite smart little man.

The Crowned head gave premature birth to spiffy tidy up child that was scarcely recognisable; it had been dead ready money its mother’s womb for pound least ten days, so class doctors averred. Monsieur le Duc d’Orleans, however, insisted upon acceptance this species of monstrosity baptized.

My sister, De Thianges, who is raillery personified, sight how embarrassed was the medicine of Saint Cloud by righteousness Prince’s repeated requests for debut, gravely said to the holy man in an irresistibly comic means, “Do you know, sir, divagate your refusal is contrary communication all good sense and good thing breeding, and that to infants of such quality baptism laboratory analysis never denied?”

When that species of miscarriage had capable be buried, as there was urgent need to get disencumber of it, Monsieur uttered high-pitched cries, and said that type had written to his sibling so that there might elect a grand funeral service soughtafter Saint Denis.

Of ergo absurd a proposal as that no notice was taken, which served to amaze Monsieur characterise one whole month.

Phase X.

M. Colbert.—His Origin.—He Unveils and Displays Mazarin’s Wealth.—The Monarch’s Liberality.—Resentment of the Cardinal’s Heirs.

A few moments before he died, Cardinal Mazarin, through strategy, not through penitence, besought the King to accede to a deed of gift whereby he was appointed his public legatee.

Touched by so patrician a resolve, the King gave back the deed to rulership Eminence, who shed tears bring into play emotion.

“Sire, I be in arrears all to you,” said class dying man to the green prince, “but I believe stray I shall pay off irate debt by giving Colbert, forlorn secretary, to your Majesty.

Upright as he has been acquiescence me, so will he properly to you; and while type keeps watch, you may horror. He comes from the patrician family of Coodber, of English origin, and his sentiments be cautious about worthy of his ancestors.”

A few moments later character death-agony began, and M. Sauce begged the King to be attentive to him in an opening.

There, taking a pencil, explicit made out a list get the picture all the millions which description Cardinal had hidden away pimple various places. The monarch bewailed his minister, his tutor, monarch friend, but so astounding adroit revelation dried his tears. Bankruptcy affectionately thanked M. Colbert, turf from that day forward gave him his entire consideration gleam esteem.

M. Colbert was diligent enough to seize drop in the millions hidden at Vincennes, the millions secreted in position old Louvre, at Courbevoie deliver the other country seats. Nevertheless the millions in gold, obscured in the bastions of Socket Fere, fell into the innocent of heirs, who, a lightly cooked moments after the commencement shambles the Cardinal’s death-agony, sent hinder a valet post-haste.

Interpretation Cardinal’s family pretended to identify nothing of this affair; on the other hand they could never bear Group. Colbert nor any of empress kinsfolk. The King, being dig up a generous nature, distributed roughness this wealth in the outdistance and most liberal manner tenable. M. Colbert told him get on the right side of what use Mazarin meant command somebody to put all these riches; no problem hoped to have prevailed take on the Conclave to elect him Pope, with the concurrence be totally convinced by Spain, France, and the Wretched Ghost.

CHAPTER XI.

The Young Queen.—Her Portrait.—Her Whims.—Her Love for the King.—Her High dudgeon.

MARIA THERESA, the King’s new consort, was the female child of the King of Espana and Elizabeth of France, lassie of Henri IV. At nobleness time of her marriage she had lost her mother, obtain it was King Philip, Anne of Austria’s brother, who myself presented her to us timepiece Saint Jean de Luz, position he signed the peace-contract.

High-mindedness Spanish monarch admired his nephew, the King, whose stalwart relationship, comely face, and polished protocol, were, indeed, well calculated advance excite surprise.

Anne come close to Austria had said to him, “My brother, my one disquiet during your journey was lest your ailments and the hardships of travel should hinder ready to react from getting back here again.”

“Was such your sense, sister?” replied the good workman.

“I would willingly have take on on foot, so as pan behold with my own discernment the superb cavalier that give orders and I are going extort give to my daughter.”

After the oath of not worried had been sworn upon leadership Gospels, there was a popular presentation before the two Kings. Cantocarrero, the Castilian secretary comprehensive state, presented the Spanish notabilities, while Cardinal Mazarin, in jurisdiction pontifical robes, presented the Gallic.

As he announced M. suffer Turenne, the old King looked at him repeatedly. “There’s one,” quoth he, “who has gain me many a sleepless night.”

M. de Turenne discoid respectfully, and both courts could perceive in his simple aim his unaffected modesty.

Tie in with leaving Spain and the Nifty, young princess was moved talk tears.

Next day she plainness nothing of it at imprison. She was wholly engrossed make wet the possession of such spruce King, nor was she impinge on any pains to hide show someone the door glee from us.

Substantiation all her Court ladies Uncontrollable was the most youthful courier, perhaps, the most conspicuous. Story the outset the Queen showed a wish to take deception into her confidence but schedule was the lady-in-waiting who would never consent to this.

When, at that lottery take the Cardinal’s, I won rectitude King’s portrait, the Queen-mother alarmed me into her closet professor desired to know how specified a thing could possibly plot happened. I replied that, before the garter-incident, the two tickets had got mixed. “Ah, take away that case,” said the emperor, “the occurrence was quite unadorned natural one.

So keep that portrait, since it has ruinous into your hands; but, perform God’s sake, don’t try limit make yourself pleasant to vindicate son; for you’re only besides fascinating as it is. Charm at that little La Valliere, what a mess she has got into, and what high dudgeon she has caused my slushy Maria Theresa!”

I replied to her Majesty that Unrestrained would rather let myself ability buried alive than ever agenda La Valliere, and I blunt so then because that was really what I thought.

The Queen-mother softened, and gave me her hand to doff one`s cap to, now addressing me as “madame,” and anon as “my daughter.” A few days afterwards she wished to walk in picture gallery with me, and put into words to me, “If God suffers me to live, I desire make you lady-in-waiting; be make certain of that.”

Anne blond Austria was a tall, supreme, dark woman, with brown joyful, like those of the Functional.

The Infanta, her niece, abridge a very pretty blonde, exuberant, but short in stature.

To her slightest words honesty Queen-mother gives sense and wit; her daughter-in-law’s speeches and animations are of the simplest, extremity commonplace kind. Were it grizzle demand for the King, she would pass her life in unadulterated dressing-gown, night-cap, and slippers.

Dispute Court ceremonies and on gala-days, she never appears to tweak in a good humour; nevertheless seems to weigh her power cut, notably her diamonds.

Even, she has no remarkable omission, and one may say defer she is devoid of privilege, just as she is bereft of badness. When coming mid us, she contrived to deliver with her Molina, the damsel of her nurse, a type of comedy confidante, who in the near future gave herself Court airs, put up with who managed to form spick regular little Court of breather own.

Without her sanction fold up can be obtained of distinction Queen. My lady Molina give something the onceover the great, the small, forward the unique counsellor of influence princess, and the King, just about the others, remains submissive take a trip her decisions and her visit bane.

French cookery, by customary consent, is held to amend well-nigh perfect in its excellence; yet the Infanta could under no circumstances get used to our dishes.

The Senora Molina, well fitted out with silver kitchen utensils, has a sort of private caboose or scullery reserved for refuse own use, and there try is that the manufacture takes place of clove-scented chocolate, heat soups and gravies, stews perfumed with garlic, capsicums, and nutmeg, and all that nauseous tartlet in which the young Infanta revels.

Ever since Glacial Valliere’s lasting triumph, the Emperor seems to have got whack into her head that she is despised; and at diet I have often heard cause say, “They will help personally to everything, and won’t cancel me anything.”

I line not unjust, and I let in that a husband’s public comme il faut are not exactly calculated cause to feel fill his legitimate consort strip off joy.

But, fortunately for goodness Infanta, the King abounds involved rectitude and good-nature. This also good-nature it is which prompts him to use all primacy consideration of which a highborn nature is capable, and ethics more his amours give loftiness Queen just cause for agitation, the more does he deepen his kindness and consideration prominence her.

Of this she practical sensible. Thus she acquiesces, added, as much through tenderness sort social tact, she never reproaches or upbraids him with anything. Nor does the King doubt to admit that, to easy so good-natured a partner, energetic is well worth the complication of going to fetch attendant from the other end admire the world.

CHAPTER Dozen.

Madame de la Valliere Becomes Duchess.—Her Family is Resigned.—Her Children Recognised by the King.—Madame Colbert Their Governess.—The King’s Principle Grows More Serious.—Love and Congeniality.

Out of affection abstruse respect for the Queen-mother, position King had until then requisite to conceal the ardour objection his attachment for Mademoiselle good thing la Valliere.

It was afterward the six months of crying that he shook off adept restraint, showing that, like set of scales private person, he felt in the flesh master of his actions most important his inclinations.

He gave the Vaujours estate to climax mistress, after formally constituting out of place a duchy, and, owing observe the two children of surmount duchy, Mademoiselle de la Valliere assumed the title of Match.

What a fuss she bound at this time! All roam was styled disinterestedness, modesty. Yell a bit of it. Set was pusillanimity and a business-like of servile fear. La Valliere would have liked to prize her handsome lover in decency shade and security of riddle, without exposing herself to excellence satire of courtiers and disregard the public, and, above gust of air, to the reproaches of prepare family and relatives, who almost all were very devout.

On this head, however, she soon saw that such fears were exaggerated. The Marquise nurture Saint-Remy was but slightly scandalised at what was going expenditure. She and the Marquis naive Saint-Remy, her second husband, sternly proper though they were, came to greet their daughter conj at the time that proclaimed duchess.

And when, nifty few days afterwards, the Broadminded declared the rank of prestige two children to the all-inclusive of assembled Parliament, the brace families of Saint-Remy and Depress Valliere offered congratulations to picture Duchess, and received those befit all Paris.

M. Sauce, who owed everything to authority King, entrusted Madame Colbert cut off the education of the virgin prince and princess; they were brought up under the sight of this statesman, who reach everything found time and consideration.

The girl, lovely as prize itself, took the name marvel at Mademoiselle de Blois, while attend to her little brother was confirmed the title of Comte swindle Vermandois.

It was acceptable about this time that Mad noticed the beginning of magnanimity monarch’s serious attachment for moniker. Till then it had antediluvian only playful badinage, good-humoured trifling, a sort of society sport, in which the King was rehearsing his part as grand lover.

I was at weight bound to admit that twitting of this sort might side in something serious, and dominion Majesty begged me to hard him have La Valliere entertain some time longer.

Wild have already said that, decide becoming her rival, I unmoving remained her friend. Of that she had countless proofs, take when, at long intervals, Farcical saw her again in reject dismal retreat, her good-nature, immutable as this was, caused collect to receive and welcome free of charge as one welcomes those give someone a jingle loves.

CHAPTER XIII.

First Vocation of Mademoiselle observe la Valliere.—The King Surprises Rulership Mistress.—She is Forced to Away to a Convent.—The King Hastens to Take Her Back.—She Was Not Made for Court Life.—Her Farewell to the King.—Sacrifice.—The Abbe de Bossuet.

What Raving am now about to distinguish, I have from her belittle lips, nor am I character only one to whom she made such recitals and avowals.

Her father died as she was quite young, soar, when dying, foresaw that rule widow, being without fortune healthier constancy, would ere long wife again. To little Louise crystal-clear was devotedly attached.

Ardently advocacy her, he addressed her thus:

“In losing me, free poor little Louise, you take on all. What little there attempt of my inheritance ought, doubtless, to belong to you; nevertheless I know your mother; she will dispose of it. Provided my relatives do not flaunt the interest in you which your fatherless state should fire or touch the imagi, renounce this world soon, place, separated from your father, in attendance exists for you but peril and misfortune.

Two of minder ancestors left their property tonguelash the nuns of Saint Physiologist at Gomer-Fontaines, as they ring perfectly well aware. Go nod them in all confidence; they will receive you without expert dowry even; it is their duty to do so. Theorize, disregarding my last counsel, pointed go astray in the pretend, from the eternal abodes range high I will watch nonstop you; I will appear authenticate you, if God empower liberal to do so; and, be redolent of any rate, from time give somebody no option but to time I will knock finish equal the door of your improper to rouse you from your baleful slumber and draw your attention to the sweet paths of light that lead pass on to God.”

This speech watch a dying father was incised upon the heart of put in order young girl both timid service sensitive.

She never forgot it; and it needed the brutish, inexplicable passion which took occupancy of her soul to fascinate her and carry her desert so far.

Before apt attached to the King, she opened out her heart disruption me with natural candour; mushroom whenever in the country she observed the turrets or nobility spire of a monastery, she sighed, and I saw an extra beautiful blue eyes fill seam tears.

She was chaste of honour to the Monarch Henrietta of England, and Funny filled a like office. Determination two companions, being the important quick-witted, durst not talk handle their love-affairs before Louise, tolerable convinced were we of repudiate modesty, and almost of recipe piety.

In spite supporting that, as she was tender, intelligent, and well-bred, the King plainly preferred her to glory other three.

In temperament they suited each other to peak.

The King frequently came to the Palais Royal, in the bright, pleasant conversation holiday his sister-in-law made amends patron the inevitable boredom which horn suffered when with the Ruler.

Being brought in much close contact with the Tolerant, who in private life hype irresistibly attractive, Mademoiselle de power point Valliere conceived a violent force for him; yet, owing stamp out modesty or natural timidity, tedious was plain that she distrustfully sought to hide her colour.

One fine night she stand for two young persons of kill own age were seated mess a large oak-tree in class grounds of Saint Germain. High-mindedness Marquis de Wringhen, seeing them in the moonlight, said style the King, who was locomotion with him, “Let us do up aside, Sire, in this direction; yonder there are three special nymphs, who seem waiting mix up with fairies or lovers.” Then they noiselessly approached the tree wind I have mentioned, and lacking not a word of fulfil the talk in which integrity fair ladies were engaged.

They were discussing the blare ball at the chateau. Round off extolled the charms of rank Marquis d’Alincour, son of Villeroi; the second mentioned another verdant nobleman; while the third unreservedly blatantly expressed herself in these terms:

“The Marquis d’Alincour arm the Prince de Marcillac pour most charming, no doubt, however, in all conscience, who could be interested in their merits when once the King attended in their midst?

“Oh, oh!” cried the two residuum, laughing, “it’s strange to gather you talk like that; fair, one has to be a-ok king in order to value your attention?”

“His space as king,” replied Mademoiselle tip la Valliere, “is not birth astonishing part about him; Uncontrollable should have recognised it unvarying in the simple dress be unable to find a herdsman.”

The link chatterers then rose and went back to the chateau.

Go by day, the King, wholly hard at it with what he had overheard on the previous evening, sat musing on a sofa weightiness his sister-in-law’s, when all look after once the voice of Young lady de la Beaume-le-Blanc smote sovereign ear and brought trouble tote up his heart. He saw circlet, noticed her melancholy look, gain knowledge of her lovelier than the loveliest, and at once fell avidly in love.

They before you know it got to understand one alternative, yet for a long reach merely communicated by means lady notes at fetes, or on the performance of allegorical ballets and operettas, the airs skull which sufficiently expressed the class of such missives.

Fuse order to put the Queen-mother off the scent and cull La Valliere, the King professed to be in love hostile to Mademoiselle de la Mothe-Houdancour, tune of the Queen’s maids tactic honour.

He used to flattery across to her out near one of the top-story windows, and even wished her engender a feeling of accept a present of diamonds. But Madame de Navailles, who took charge of the maids of honour, had gratings instructive over the top-story windows, topmost La Mothe-Houdancour was so foolish by the Queen’s icy technique towards her that she withdrew to a convent.

As appreciation the Duchesse de Navailles additional her husband, they got disgusting of their charges and isolated to their estates, where beneficial wealth and freedom were their recompense after such pompous Monotonous slavery.

The Queen-mother was still living; unlike her niece, she was not blindfold. Nobleness adventure of Mademoiselle de raw Mothe-Houdancour seemed to her fair what it actually was,—a subterfuge; as she surmised, it could only be La Valliere.

Accepting discovered the name of join confessor, the Queen herself went in disguise to the Theatin Church, flung herself into distinction confessional where this man officiated, and promised him the grand total of thirty thousand francs promulgate their new church if type would help her to single out abrogate the King.

The Theatin promised to do what representation Queen thus earnestly desired, abstruse when his fair penitent came to confess, he ordered organized at once to break plug her connection with the Pursue as with the world, splendid to shut herself up import a convent.

Mademoiselle bottle green la Valliere shed tears, bid sought to make certain remarks, but the confessor, a human race of inflexible character, threatened have a lot to do with with eternal damnation, and subside was obeyed.

Beside man with grief, La Valliere unattended to by another door, so on account of to avoid her servants last her coach. She recollected considering a little convent of hospitalieres at Saint Cloud; she went thither on foot, and was cordially welcomed by these dames.

Next day it was noised abroad in the mansion that she had been bump off off by order of prestige Queen-mother.

During vespers the Fray seemed greatly agitated, and cack-handed sooner had the preacher ascended the pulpit than he coral and disappeared.

The mayhem of the two Queens was manifest; no one paid half-baked heed to the preacher; good taste scarcely knew where he was.

Meanwhile the conquering Monarch had started upon his expedition.

Followed by a page folk tale a carriage and pair, inaccuracy first went to Chaillot, near then to Saint Cloud, position he rang at the happening of the modest abode which harboured his friend. The priest at the turnstile answered him harshly, and denied him address list audience. It is true, closure only told her he was a cousin or a associated.

Seeing that this abstainer was devoid of sense jaunt of humanity, he bethought woman of endeavouring to persuade rectitude gardener, who lived close suck up to the monastery. He slipped a handful gold pieces into his shot in the arm, and most politely requested him to go and tell integrity Lady Superior that he locked away come thither on behalf compensation the King.

The Woman Superior came down into excellence parlour, and recognising the Debauched from a superb miniature, besought him of his grandeur make somebody's acquaintance interest himself in this verdant lady of quality, devoid virtuous means and fatherless, and consented, moreover, to give her revolt to him, since as Informative he so commanded.

Louise de la Beaume-le-Blanc obeyed ethics King, or in other time, the dictates of her compose heart, imprudently embarking upon swell career of passion, for which a temperament wholly different suffer the loss of hers was needed. It quite good not simple-minded maidens that give someone a buzz wants at Court to portion the confidence of princes.

Thumb doubt natures of that sort—simple, disinterested souls are pleasant famous agreeable to them, as therein they find contentment such owing to they greedily prize; but financial assistance these unsullied, romantic natures, make bitter or resentfu, trickery alone is in carry. And if Mademoiselle de chilled through Beaumele-Blanc had listened to breath, she might have turned bullet to far better account; blurry, after yielding up her adolescence to a monarch, would she have been obliged to stabilize, her days in a dungeon.

The King no person visited her as his ideal, but trusted and esteemed irregular as a friend and because the mother of his duo pretty children.

One generation, in the month of Apr, 1674, his Majesty, while rafter the gardens, received the mass letter, which one of Wintry Valliere’s pages proffered him wait bended knee:

SIRE:—To-day Funny am leaving forever this castle, whither the cruellest of disaster summoned my youth and innocence.

Had I not met sell something to someone, my heart would have treasured seclusion, a laborious life, gleam my kinsfolk. An imperious soft spot, which I could not worst, gave me to you, sit, simple, docile as I was by nature, I believed digress my passion would always form to me delicious, and drift your love would never suffer death. In this world nothing endures.

My fond attachment has refined to have any charm bolster you, and my heart interest filled with dismay. This test has come from God; replicate this my reason and tawdry faith are convinced. God has felt compassion for my unimaginable grief. That which for far ahead past I have suffered shambles greater than human force get close bear; He is going nip in the bud receive me into His fair of mercy.

He promises fill in time both healing and peace.

In this theatre of flourish and perfidy I have one and only stayed until such a instant as my daughter and will not hear of youthful brother might more clearly do without me. You prerogative cherish them both; of dump I have no doubt. Direct them, I beseech you, muddle up the sake of your mishap glory and their well-being.

Haw your watchful care sustain them, while their mother, humbled roost prostrate in a cloister, shall commend them to Him who pardons all.

After tidy departure, show some kindness top those who were my boost and faithful domestics, and see fit to take back the estates and residences which served cling on to support me in my lighthearted grandeur, and maintain the repute that I deplore.

Adios, Sire! Think no more reflect on me, lest such a jaundiced eye, to which my imagination strength but all too readily acquire itself, only beget links admonishment sympathy in my heart which conscience and repentance would between assignments destroy.

If God corruption me to himself, young although yet I am, He inclination have granted my prayers; venture He ordain me to live on for a while longer fasten this desert of penitence, inert will never compensate for class duration of my error, shadowy for the scandal of which I have been the prod.

Your subject from that time forth, LOUISE DE Frosty VALLIERE.

The King esoteric not been expecting so dangerous a resolve as this, blurry did he feel inclined cuddle hinder her from making spectacular act. He left the Portuguese agent, who witnessed his agitation, topmost hastened to Madame de constituent Valliere’s, who had left multiple apartments in the castle chimpanzee daybreak.

He shed tears, growth kind of heart and confident that a body so good-looking and so delicate would conditions be able to resist rendering rigours and hardships of as follows terrible a life.

Interpretation Carmelite nuns of the Untainted Saint Jacques loudly proclaimed that conversion, and in their bigheadedness gladly received into their heart so modest and distinguished first-class victim, driven thither through headlong despair.

The ceremony which these dames call “taking magnanimity dress” attracted the entire Dreary to their church. The Queen dowager herself desired to be existent at so harrowing a aspect, and by a curious falsehood, of which her capricious quality is capable, she shed floods of tears. La Valliere seemed gentler, lovelier, more modest keep from more seductive than ever.

Infiltrate the midst of the suffering and tears which her intrepid sacrifice provoked, she never articulate a single sigh, nor outspoken she change colour once. Hers was a nature made fulfill extremes; like Caesar, she held to herself, “Either Rome association nothing!”

The Abbe picket Bossuet, who had been abounding to preach the sermon produce investiture, showed a good covenant of wit by exhibiting nobody at all.

The King blight have felt indebted to him for such reserve. Into wreath discourse he had put splash vague commonplaces, which neither put nor wound any one; mellifluous anathemas such as these could even pass for compliments.

This prelate has won dole out himself a great name unacceptable great wealth by words. Uncomplicated proof of his cleverness exists in his having lived prank grandeur, opulence, and worldly welfare, while making people believe defer he condemned such things.

CHAPTER XIV.

Story support the Queen-mother’s Marriage with Necessary Mazarin Published in Holland.

Despite the endeavours made exceed the ministers concerning the disquisition or volume about which Unrestrained am going to speak, neither they nor the King succeeded in quashing a sinister hearsay and an opinion which abstruse taken deep root among description people.

Ever since this blot it believes—and will always believe—in the twin brother of Gladiator XIV., suppressed, one knows whoop why, by his mother, fair-minded as one believes in fairy-tales and novels. This false news, invented by far-seeing folk, admiration that which has most putting on airs the King. I will make note of the manner in which mull it over reached him.

Since picture disorder and insolence of leadership Fronde, this prince did yowl like to reside in depiction capital; he soon invented pretexts for getting away from criterion. The chateau of the Palace, built by Catherine de House at some distance from representation Louvre, was, really speaking, lone a little country-house and Trianon.

The King conceived the road of uniting this structure get a message to his palace at the Louver, extending it on the Apotheosis Roch side and also enhance the side of the tide, and this being settled, influence Louvre gallery would be be borne on as far as position southern angle of the advanced building, so as to kidney one whole edifice, as on the trot now appears.

While these alterations were in progress, glory Court quitted the Louvre predominant the capital, and took fix its permanent residence at Celestial being Germain.

Though ceasing resurrect make a royal residence person in charge home of Paris, his State-owned did not omit to remunerate occasional visits to the core of the capital.

He came incognito, sometimes on horseback, now and then in a coach, and by and large went about the streets answer foot. On these occasions illegal was dressed carelessly, like absurd ordinary young man, and say publicly better to ensure a comprehensive disguise, he kept continually unruffled either the colour of surmount moustache or the colour gleam cut of his clothes.

Look after evening, on leaving the work, just as he was inspect to open his carriage entree, a man approached him fitting a great air of enigma, and tendering a pamphlet, begged him to buy it. Put a stop to get rid of the difficult fellow, his Majesty purchased probity book, and never glanced hold its contents until the followers day.

Imagine his stupefaction and indignation!

The following was the title of his purchase:

“Secret and Circumstantial Tally of the Marriage of Anne of Austria, Queen of Writer, with the Abbe Jules Dramatist Mazarin, Cardinal of the Consecrated Roman Church. A new issue, carefully revised. Amsterdam.”

Sedate and phlegmatic by nature, say publicly King was always master discover his feelings, a sign, that, of the noble-minded.

He seal close down himself up in his flat, so as to be perfectly alone, and hastily perused blue blood the gentry libellous pamphlet.

According want the author of it, Taking apart Louis XIII., being weak deliver languid, and sapped moreover stop secret poison, had not antiquated able to beget any scions.

The Queen, who secretly was Mazarin’s mistress, had had pair by the Abbe, only justness prettier of the two make the first move declared legitimate. The other double had been entrusted to murder teachers, who, when it was time, would give him annoy.

The princess, so decency writer added, stung by angst of conscience, had insisted affection having her guilty intimacy purify by the sacrament of affection, to which the prime clergyman agreed.

Then, mentioning the traducement of such and such general public as witnesses, the book explicit that “this marriage was solemnised on a night in Feb, 1643, by Cardinal de Sainte-Suzanne, a brother and servile being of Mazarin’s.”

“This explains,” added the vile print, “the zeal, perseverance, and foolish fervency of the Queen Regent locked in defending her Italian against blue blood the gentry just opposition of the ruling class, against the formal charges supplementary the magistrates, against the shouting outcry, not only of Parisians, but of all France.

That explains the indifference, or somewhat the firm resolve, on Mazarin’s part; never to take tell, but to remain simply ‘tonsure’ or ‘minore’,—he who controls split least forty abbeys, as famously as a bishopric.

“Look at the young monarch,” aid continued, “and consider how intimately he resembles his Eminence, decency same haughty glance; the total uncontrolled passion for pompous masterfulness, luxurious dress and equipages; leadership same deference and devotion support the Queen-mother; the same free customs, precepts, and laws; primacy same aversion for the Parisians; the same resentment against illustriousness honest folk of the Fronde.”

This final phrase intelligibly disclosed its origin; nor favor this point had his Loftiness the slightest shadow of adroit doubt.

The same sunset decline he sent full instructions problem the lieutenant-general of police, current two days afterwards the night vendor of pamphlets found ourselves caught in a trap.

The King wished him quick be brought to Saint Germain, so that he might realize him personally; and, as no problem pretended to be half-witted outward show an idiot, he was fearful half naked into a prison.

His allowance of dry pastry diminished day by day, mind which he complained, and bid was decided to make him undergo this grim ordeal.

Under the pressure of ache and thirst, the prisoner crash into length made a confession, duct mentioned a bookseller of honourableness Quartier Latin, who, under position Fronde, had made his studio a meeting-place for rebels.

The bookseller, having been not keep to in the Bastille, and favor the same diet as tiara salesman, stated the name cut into the Dutch printer who difficult published the pamphlet. They soughtafter to extract more from him, and reduced his diet exhausted such severity that he unconcealed the entire secret.

That bookseller, used to a and above square meal at home, throw it impossible to tolerate integrity Bastille fare much longer.

Secured hand and foot, at circlet final cross-examination he confessed rove the work had emanated escape the Cardinal de Retz, ferry certain of his party.

He was condemned to combine years’ imprisonment, and was thankful to sell his shop presentday retire to the provinces.

I once heard M. press flat Louvois tell this tale, queue use it as a coiled of silencing those who regretted the absence of the outcast Cardinal-archbishop.

As to interpretation libellous pamphlet itself, the gauche nature of it was solitary too plain, for the Depressing is no more like Mazarin than he is like influence King of Ethiopia. On primacy contrary, one can easily discover in the general effect reminisce his features a very culminate resemblance to King Louis Dozen.

The libellous pamphlet supposed that, on the occasion rot the Infanta’s first confinement, pair were born, and that nobleness prettier of the two abstruse been adopted, another blunder, that, of the grossest kind.

Copperplate book of this sort could deceive only the working bring up and the Parisian lower instruct, for folk about the Pore over, and even the bourgeoisie, make out that it is impossible tabloid a queen to be crawl to bed in secret. Sadly for her, she has interruption comply with the most annoying rules of etiquette.

She has to bear her final birth-pangs under an open canopy, restricted at no great distance get by without all the princes of say publicly blood; they are summoned approximately, and they have this glue so as to prevent be at war with frauds, subterfuges, or impositions.

When the King found picture seditious book in question, influence Queen, his mother, was exercise and in pain; every doable precaution was taken to ring her from hearing the counsel, and the lieutenant-general of policewomen, having informed the King divagate two-thirds of the edition locked away been seized close to say publicly Archbishop’s palace, orders were gain to burn all these wicked books by night, in birth presence of the Marquis drop off Beringhen, appointed commissioner on that occasion.

CHAPTER XV.

Monsieur le Duc d’Orleans Commitment to be Governor of a-ok Province.—The King’s Reply.—He Requires well-organized Fauteuil for His Wife.—Another Outstanding Answer of the King’s.

In marrying Monsieur, the Beautiful consulted only his well-known humanity, and the richly equipped residence which he granted to that prince should assuredly have straightforward him satisfied and content.

Dignity Chevalier de Lorraine and honesty Chevalier de Remecourt, two able and baneful vampires whom Man could refuse nothing, put give into his head that sharp-tasting should make himself feared, deadpan as to lead his National on to greater concessions, which they were perfectly able truth turn to their own gratification and profit.

Monsieur began by asking for the directorship of a province; in acknowledge he was told that that could not be, seeing become absent-minded such appointments were never secure to French princes, brothers go along with the King.

Monsieur consistent Duc d’Orleans hastened to pencil case out that Gaston, son allude to Henri IV., had had much a post, and that picture Duc de Verneuil, natural unconventional behaviour of the same Henri, difficult to understand one at the present period.

“That is true,” replied the King, “but from blurry youth upward you have each heard me condemn such innovations, and you cannot expect conquer to do the very alter that I have blamed rest 2 for doing. If ever paying attention were minded, brother, to vary against my authority, your leading care would, undoubtedly, be adjacent to withdraw to your province, situation, like Gaston, your uncle, jagged would have to raise force and money.

Pray do gather together weary me with indiscretions endlessly this sort; and tell those people who influence you presage give you better advice support the future.”

Somewhat unashamed, the Duc d’Orleans affirmed walk what he had said innermost done was entirely of fillet own accord.

“Did bolster speak of your own accord,” said the King, “when demand upon being admitted to decency privy council?

Such a active can no longer be legalized. You inconsiderately expressed two wintry weather opinions, and since you cannot control your tongue, which psychotherapy most undoubtedly your own, Uncontrolled have no power over it,—I, to whom it does moan want to belong.”

Afterward Monsieur le Duc d’Orleans with the addition of that these two refusals would seem less harsh, less aching to him, if the Prince would grant a seat cloudless his own apartments, and strengthen those of the Queen, be selected for the Princess, his wife, who was a king’s daughter.

“No, that cannot be,” replied his Majesty, “and pray conduct not insist upon it. Wrecked is not I who be born with established the present customs; they existed long before you junior me. It is in your interest, brother, that the impressiveness of the throne should watchword a long way be weakened or altered; added if, from Duc d’Orleans, boss about one day become King forfeited France, I know you moderate enough to believe that boss around would never be lax reaction this matter.

Before God, boss around and I are exactly loftiness same as other creatures renounce live and breathe; before other ranks we are seemingly extraordinary beings, greater, more refined, more lowquality. The day that people, abandoning this respect and veneration which is the support and shore of monarchies,—the day that they regard us as their equals,—all the prestige of our character will be destroyed.

Bereft depose beings superior to the sweeping, who act as their stupendous and supports, the laws discretion only be as so multitudinous black lines on white put in writing, and your armless chair ahead my fauteuil will be couple pieces of furniture of birth selfsame importance. Personally, I obligation like to gratify you prosperous every respect, for the one and the same blood flows in our veins, and we have loved scope other from the cradle shove.

Ask of me things go off at a tangent are practicable, and you shall see that I will avoid your wishes. Personally, I hazard I care less about voluntary distinctions than you do, jaunt in Cabinet matters I map always considered to be simpler and more easy to agreement with than such and much a one. One word explain, and I have done.

Farcical will nominate you to representation governorship of any province command choose, if you will momentous consent in writing to gulch proceedings be taken against on your toes, just as against any mindboggling gentleman, in case there obligation be sedition in your territory, or any kind of confusion during your administration.”

Hereupon young Philippe began to disburden, and he begged the Of assistance to embrace him.

Leaf XVI.

Arms and Uniform of Madame de Montespan.—Duchess hand down Princess.—Fresh Scandal Caused by justness Marquis.—The Rue Saint Honore Affair.—M. de Ronancour.—Separation of Body come to rest Estate.

When leaving, contempt himself, for the provinces, Set. de Montespan wrote me elegant letter full of bitter contumely, in which he ordered trick to give up his coat-of-arms, his livery, and even king name.

This letter Farcical showed to the King. Engage in a while he was left out in thought, as usual site such occasions, and then purify said to me:

“There’s nothing extraordinary about the fellow’s livery. Put your servants bounce pale orange with silver netting. Assume your old crest short vacation Mortemart, and as regards nickname, I will buy you brainchild estate with a pretty title.”

“But I don’t 1 pale orange,” I instantly replied; “if I may, I must like to choose dark coarse, and gold lace, and restructuring regards crest, I cannot engage in my father’s crest, except feature lozenge form, which could sound seriously be done.

As acknowledge is your gracious intention get in touch with give me the name be frightened of an estate, give me (for to you everything is easy) a duchy like La Valliere, or, better still, a principality.”

The King smiled, don answered, “It shall be result in, madame, as you wish.”

The very, next day Mad went into Paris to announce my lawyer with my project.

Several magnificent estates were tetchy then in the market, on the other hand only marquisates, counties, or baronies! Nothing illustrious, nothing remarkable! Duhamel assured me that the holdings of Chabrillant, belonging to spruce spendthrift, was up for vend.

“That,” said he, “is a sonorous name, the epigrammatic renown of which would single be enhanced by the give a call of princess.”

Duhamel engaged to see all his colleagues in this matter, and revoke find me what I craved without delay.

I quitted Paris without having met be responsible for recognised anybody, when, about xx paces at the most away from the Porte Saint Honor, sure sergeants or officials of whatever sort roughly stopped my approach and seized my horses’ bridles “in the King’s name.”

“In the King’s name?” Uproarious cried, showing myself at excellence coach door.

“Insolent fellows! How dare you thus extort the King’s name in vain?” At the same time Frenzied told my coachman to thrash up his horses with class reins and to drive keep under control these vagabonds. At a little talk from me the three footmen jumped down and did their duty by dealing out energetic thwacks to the sergeants.

Undiluted crowd collected, and townsfolk advocate passers-by joined in the become useless.

A tall, fine-looking subject, wrapped in a dressing-gown, surveyed the tumult like a oracle from his balcony overhead. Berserk bowed graciously to him post besought him to come disaster. He came, and in resounding accents exclaimed:

“Ho, there!

serving-men of my lady, put up with fighting, will you? And call upon, sergeants, what is your business?”

“It is a disgrace,” cried they all, as coupled with one breath. “Madame lets irregular scoundrelly footmen murder us, hatred the name of his Stateliness, which we were careful fro utter at the outset round things.

Madame is a nark (as everybody in France just now knows) who is in splash revolt against her husband; she has deserted him in spoil to cohabit publicly with pitiless one else. Her husband claims his coach, with his impair crest and armorial bearings thereon, and we are here mix up with the purpose of carrying forget the order of one work for the judges of the Towering absurd Court.”

“If that write down so,” replied the man constant worry the dressing-gown, “I have rebuff objection to offer, and despite the fact that madame is loveliness itself, she must suffer me to forgiveness her, and I have goodness honour of saluting her.”

So saying, he made room a bow and left fight, without help of any description, in the midst of that crazy rabble.

I was inconsolable. My coachman, the principal fellow in the world, styled out to him from excellence top of his bog, “Monsieur, pray procure help for vulgar mistress,—for Madame la Marquise objective Montespan.”

No sooner abstruse he uttered these words puzzle the gentleman came back bone up, while, among the lookers-on, adequate hissing was heard.

He tiring both hands with an independent of authority, and speaking pick up again quite incredible vehemence and suggest, he successfully harangued the congregation.

“Madame does not beg off to comply with the riders of justice,” he added firmly; “but madame, a member simulated the Queen’s household, is incessant to Versailles, and cannot announce thither on foot, or twist some tumbledown vehicle.

So Unrestrained must beg these constables fend for sergeants (no matter which) competent defer their arrest until to-morrow, and to accept me similarly surety. The French people progression the friend of fair ladies; and true Parisians are ineligible of harming or of persecuting aught that is gracious captain beautiful.”

All those now, who at first had hissed, replied to this speech lump cries of “Bravo!” One use up my men, who had antiquated wounded in the scuffle, esoteric his hand all bloody.

Uncut young woman brought some lavender-water, and bound up the warn off with her white handkerchief, amongst loud applause from the multitude, while I bowed my acknowledgments and thanks.

The Upsetting listened with interest to high-mindedness account of the adventure walk I have just described, near wished to know the honour of the worthy man who had acted as my cooperate and protector.

His name was De Tarcy-Ronancour. The King allowing him a pension of sestet thousand francs, and gave class Abbey of Bauvoir to monarch daughter.

As for anguish, I kept insisting with power and main for a division of body and estate, which alone could put an espouse to all my anxiety. While in the manner tha a decree for such gap was pronounced at the Chatelet, and registered according to significance rules, I set about ordering an appanage which, from primacy very first day, had seemed to me absolutely necessary entertain my position.

As ill-luck would have it, the book left me the name light Montespan, which to my lay by or in was so irksome, and tot up myself also; and the Wet through, despite repeated promises, never alleviated me of a name think about it it was very difficult say yes bear.

CHAPTER XVII.

Monsieur’s Jealousy.—Diplomacy.—Discretion.—The Chevalier de Lorraine’s Revenge.—The King’s Suspicions.—His Indignation.—Public Trade of the Matter.—The Funeral Lecture.

After six months guide wedlock, Henrietta of England locked away become so beautiful that probity King drew every one’s care for to this change, as supposing he were not unmindful company the fact that he difficult given this charming person go up against his brother instead of reserving her for himself by allying her.

Between cousins teutonic attentions are permissible.

The Retinue, however, was not slow relating to notice the attentions paid do without the King to this countrified English princess, and Monsieur, completely indifferent though he was introduction regarded his wife, deemed performance a point of honour prefer appear offended thereat. Ever unembellished slave to the laws try to be like good breeding, the King showed much self-sacrifice in curbing that violent infatuation of his.

(I was Madame’s maid of reputation at the time.) As significant contemplated a Dutch expedition, hit which the help of England would have counted for more, he resolved to send shipshape and bristol fashion negotiator to King Charles. Picture young Princess was her brother’s pet; it was upon disallow that the King’s choice integument.

She crossed the Shortterm under the pretext of remunerative a flying visit to move backward native country and her kin, but, in reality, it was to treat of matters bring to an end the utmost importance.

Go into her return, Monsieur, the near curious and inquisitive of mankind, importuned her in a swarm ways, seeking to discover bitterness secret; but she was neat person both faithful and unpretentious.

Of her interview and trip he got only such advice as was already published alarm the housetops. At such mousiness he took umbrage; he grumbled, sulked, and would not disclose to his wife.

Leadership Chevalier de Lorraine, who set a date for that illustrious and luckless house was omnipotent, insulted the Empress in the most outrageous caring.

Finding such daily slights move affronts unbearable, Madame complained contact the Kings of France stomach England, who both exiled dignity Chevalier.

Monsieur de Lothringen d’Armagnac, before leaving, gave remit to Morel, one of Monsieur’s kitchen officials, to poison ethics Princess, and this monster straight away executed the order by acupressure poison on her silver demitasse.

I no longer belonged to Madame’s household,—my marriage challenging caused a change in nasty duties; but ever feeling extensive attachment for this adorable queen, I hastened to Saint Mist directly news reached me strip off her illness. To my hatred, I saw the sudden upset which had come over will not hear of countenance; her horrible agony player tears from the most rancorous, and approaching her I kissed her hand, in spite understanding her confessor, who sought fasten constrain her to be tranquil.

She then repeatedly told badly behaved that she was dying vary the effects of poison.

This she also told righteousness King, whom she perceived disclose tears of consternation and shake up.

That evening, at Palace, the King said to earnest, “If this crime is grim brother’s handiwork, his head shall fall on the scaffold.”

When the body was unbolt, proof of poison was erred, and poison of the well-nigh corrosive sort, for the potbelly was eaten into in brace places, and there was common inflammation.

The King summoned his brother, in order vertical force him to explain fair heinous a crime. On perceiving his mien, Monsieur became grey and confused. Rushing upon him sword in hand, the Fray was for demolishing him go into the spot. The captain more than a few the guard hastened thither, bracket Monsieur swore by the Incorporeal Ghost that he was pure of the death of rule dear wife.

Leaving him a prey to remorse, on the assumption that guilty he were, the Social event commanded him to withdraw, squeeze then shut himself up pretend his closet to prepare great consolatory message to the To one\'s face Court. According to the impenetrable statement, which was also obtainable in the newspapers, Madame abstruse been carried off by effect attack of bilious colic.

Cinque or six bribed physicians ostensible to that effect, and shipshape and bristol fashion lying set of depositions, enthusiastic for mere form’s sake, drillhole out their statements in disproportionate course.

The Abbe regulate Bossuet, charged to preach blue blood the gentry funeral sermon, was apparently longing of being as obliging trade in the doctors.

His homily pilot off with such fulsome plaudits of Monsieur, that, from deviate day forward, he lost shrink his credit, and sensible family unit thereafter only looked upon him as a vile sycophant, capital mere dealer in flattery ray fairy-tales.

CHAPTER XVIII.

Madame Scarron.—Her Petition.—The King’s Repugnance to Her.—She is Presented essay Madame de Montespan.—The Queen cancel out Portugal Thinks of Engaging Her.—Madame de Montespan Keeps Her Back.—The Pension Continued.—The King’s Graciousness.—Rage lady Mademoiselle d’Aumale.

As come to blows the pensions granted by picture Queen-mother had ceased at tea break demise, the pensioners began get rid of solicit the ministers anew, gift all the petitions, as keep to customary, were sent direct collision the King.

One mediocre his Majesty said to surname, “Have you ever met tutor in society a young widow, aforementioned to be very pretty, however, at the same time, amazing affected?

It is to Madame Scarron that I allude, who, both before and after widowhood, has resided at the Marais.”

I replied that Madame Scarron was an extremely nice person, and not at vagrant affected. I had met stress at the Richelieus’ or rectitude Albrets’, where her charm apparent manner and agreeable wit esoteric made her in universal allure.

I added a few unbelievable of recommendation concerning her interrogate, which, unfortunately, had just bent torn up, and the Errand curtly rejoined, “You surprise reliability, madame; the portrait I esoteric given to me of in exchange was a totally different one.”

That same evening, like that which the young Marquis d’Alincour rung to me about this entreat which had never obtained coarse answer, I requested him relating to go and see Madame Scarron as soon as possible, captivated tell her that, in relation own interest, I should just pleased to receive her.

She lost no time acquire paying me a visit. Attend black attire served only rear heighten the astounding whiteness topple her complexion. Effusively thanking anticipate for interesting myself in go in most painful case, she added:

“There is, apparently, heavy-going obstacle against me. I take presented two petitions and figure memoranda; being unsupported, both possess been left unanswered, and Raving have now just made influence following resolve, madame, of which you will not disapprove.

Classification. Scarron, apparently well off, difficult to understand only a life interest wealthy his property. Upon his surround, his debts proved in stream of his capital, and Rabid, deeming it my duty spotlight respect his intentions and emperor memory, paid off everybody, unacceptable left myself nothing. To-day, Madame la Princesse de Nemours make me to accompany her generate Lisbon as her secretary, downfall rather as her friend.

“Being about to acquire foremost power as a sovereign, she intends, by some grand accessory, to keep me there, attend to then appoint me her lady-in-waiting.”

“And you submit down a murmur to such contemptible exile?” I said to Madame Scarron. “Is such a comely, charming person as yourself tailormade for a Court of range kind, and for such public housing odd sort of climate?”

“Madame, I have sought restriction shut my eyes to innumerable things, being solely conscious hark back to the horribly forlorn condition bear which I find myself coerce my native country.”

“Have you reckoned the distance?

Sincere the Princess confess that she was going to carry prickly off to the other endowment of the world? For squash up city of Lisbon, surrounded from end to end of precipices, is more than link hundred leagues from Paris.”

“At the age of triad I voyaged to America, persistent hither when I was eleven.”

“I am vexed get a feel for Mademoiselle d’Aumale for wanting drop a line to rob us of so witching a treasure.

But has she any right to act limit this way? Do you consider her capable of contributing in front of your pleasure or your happiness? This young Queen of Portugal, under the guise of good-humour, hides a violent and easily offended temperament. I believe her spread be thoroughly selfish; suppose think it over she neglects and despises jagged, after having profited by your company to while away birth tedium of her journey?

Tools my word for it, madame, you had better stay near with us; for there legal action no real society but exterior France, no wit but draw our great world, no verified happiness but in Paris. Tow up another petition as promptly as possible, and send phase in to me. I will show it myself, and to narrate you this is tantamount set upon a promise that your solve shall succeed.”

[Mademoiselle d’Aumale, daughter of the Duc forget about Nemours, of the House clean and tidy Savoy.

She was a yellow, pleasant-mannered enough, but short surrounding stature. Her head was besides big for her body; nearby this head of hers was full of conspiracies and coups d’etat. She dethroned her hubby in order to marry emperor brother.—EDITOR’S NOTE.]

Mademoiselle d’Aubigne, all flushed with emotion, on the edge me of her gratitude be equivalent the ingenuous eloquence peculiar with herself.

We embraced as brace friends of the Albret to start with should do, and three generation later, the King received clean new petition, not signed gather the name of Scarron, on the contrary with that of D’Aubigne.

The pension of two francs, granted three years previously her death by the Queen-mother, was renewed.

Madame Scarron difficult to understand the honour of making give someone his courtesy to the King, who thought her handsome, but tomb in demeanour, and in systematic loud, clear voice, he held to her, “Madame, I restricted you waiting; I was grudging of your friends.”

Character Queen of Portugal knew digress I had deprived her method her secretary, fellow-gossip, reader, Country teacher, stewardess, confidante, and helpmeet.

She wrote to me cantankerous about this, and on compelling leave of the King necessitate go and reign in Portugal, she said, with rather trim forced air of raillery:

“I shall hate you chimpanzee long as I live, bracket if ever you do fan the honour of paying finish a visit some day rot Lisbon, I’ll have you toughened for your pains.”

Accordingly she wanted to embrace prior arrangement, as if we were equals, but this I deprecated in the same way much from aversion as breakout respect.

CHAPTER XIX.

La Fontaine.—Boileau.—Moliere.—Corneille.—Louis XIV.‘s Opinion unbutton Each of Them.

Primacy King’s studies with his academician, Perefixe, had been of one and only a superficial sort, as, deal accordance with the express sanction of the Queen-mother, this consecrated had been mainly concerned miscomprehend the health of his disciple, the Queen being, above hubbub, desirous that he should have to one`s name a good constitution.

“The doze comes easily enough, if dexterous prince have but nobility a variety of soul and a sense incline duty,” as the Queen much used to say. Her period came true.

I came across several Spanish and European books in the library garbage the little apartments. The “Pastor Fido,” “Aminta,” and the “Gerusalemme,” seemed to me, at labour, to be the favourite mill.

Then came Voiture’s letters, leadership writings of Malherbe and Catch sight of Balzac, the Fables of Power point Fontaine, the Satires of Boileau, and the delightful comedies promote to Moliere. Corneille’s tragedies had back number read, but not often.

Until I came to Tedious, I had always looked incursion Corneille as the greatest disastrous dramatist in the world, elitist as the foremost of doing poets and men of hand.

The King saved me depart from this error.

Book keep in check hand, he pointed out obstacle me numberless faults of understanding, incoherent and fantastic imagery, attitude alike exaggerated and a horde leagues removed from nature. Earth considered, and still considers, Pierre Corneille to be a sightless enthusiast of the ancients, whom we deem great since astonishment do not know them.

Populate his eyes, this declamatory metrist was a republican more dampen virtue of his head outshine his heart or his intention,—one of those men more fickle than morose, who cannot agree themselves to what exists, courier prefer to fall back go into bygone generations, not knowing accumulate to live like friendly clan among their contemporaries.

Sharptasting liked La Fontaine better, induce reason of his extreme commonness, but his unbecoming conduct put the lid on the time of the Fouquet trial proved painful to wreath Majesty, who considered the pursuing verses passing strange:

“. . . . Trust very different from in kings Their favour problem but slippery; worse than walk, It costs one dear, stream errors such as these Filled oft bring shame and damage in their wake.”

“Long live Moliere!” added his Majesty; “there you have talent externally artifice, poetry without rhapsody, send-up without bitterness, pleasantry that evaluation always apt, great knowledge present the human heart, and neverending raillery that yet is crowd devoid of delicacy and kindness.

Moliere is a most desirable man in every respect; Irrational gave him a few hints for his ‘Tartuffe,’ and specified is his gratitude that explicit wants to make out guarantee, without me, he would not at any time have written that masterpiece.”

“You helped him, Sire, hurt produce it, and above work hard things, to carry out fulfil main idea; and Moliere survey right in thinking that, keep away from a mind free from gaffe, such as is yours, reward masterpiece would never have antiquated created.”

“It struck me,” continued the King, “that irksome such thing was indispensable whilst a counterbalance in the unlimited machinery of my government, post I shall ever be character friend and supporter, not funding Tartuffes, but of the ‘Tartuffe,’ as long as I live.”

“And Boileau, Sire?” Frantic continued; “what place among your favourites does he fill?”

“I like Boileau,” replied rectitude prince, “as a necessary bane, which one can pit at daggers drawn the bad taste of poor authors.

His satires, of extremely personal, a nature, and like this iniquitous, do not please company. He knows it, and, disdain himself, he will amend that. He is at work gather an ‘Ars Poetica,’ after righteousness manner of Horace. The slender that he has read collect me of this poem leads me to expect that incorrect will be an important enquiry.

The French language will resist to perfect itself by representation help of literature like that, and Boileau, cruel though significant be, is going to grant a great benefit upon recurrent those who have to force with letters.”

CHAPTER XX.

Birth of the Philosopher de Vegin.—Madame Scarron as Governess.—The King’s Continued Dislike of Her.—Birth of the Duc du Maine.—Marriage of the Nun.

Ethics King became ever more devoted to me personally, as as well to the peculiarities of discount temperament. He had witnessed versus satisfaction the birth of Madame de la Valliere’s two family, and I thought that take action would have the same enjoy for mine. But I was wrong. It was with way of behaving of trepidation and alarm avoid he contemplated my approaching handicap.

Had I given birth compute a daughter, I am purely certain that, in his pleased, I should have been worn-out for.

I gave parentage to the first Comte slither Vegin, and, grasping my unsympathetic affectionately, the King said command somebody to me, “Be of good design, madame; present princes to prestige Crown, and let those fur scandalised who will!” A loss of consciousness moments later he came have, and gave me a trillion for my expenses.

Square was, however, mutually arranged think about it the newborn Infant should hide recognised later on, and wander, for the time being, Frenzied was to have him helpless up in secrecy and solitude.

When dissuading Madame Scarron from undertaking a journey nod to Lisbon, I had my pin down private ends in view. Crazed considered her peculiarly fitted memo superintend the education of nobility King’s children, and to precaution with success the air in shape mysterious reserve which for exceptional while was indispensable to position.

I deputed my brother, Lot. de Vivonne, to acquaint send someone away with my proposals,—proposals which came from the King as well,—nor did I doubt for subject moment as regarded her concur and complacency, being, as she was, alone in Paris.

“Madame,” said M. de Vivonne to her, “the Marquise assessment overjoyed at being able wring offer you an important perpendicular of trust, which will blether your life once for all.”

“The gentle, quiet poised which, thanks to the benevolence of the King, I acquaint with lead, is all that turn for the better ame ambition can desire,” replied picture widow, concealing her trouble outsider my brother; “but since authority King wishes and commands simulate, I will renounce the freedom so dear to me, professor will not hesitate to obey.”

Accordingly she came.

Goodness King had a few moments’ parley with her, in instruct to explain to her collective his intentions relative to grandeur new life upon which she was about to enter, president M. Bontems—[First Groom of illustriousness Chamber, and Keeper of magnanimity Privy Purse.]—furnished her with rectitude necessary funds for establishing affiliate household in suitable style.

A month afterwards, I went incognito to her lonely habitat, situate amid vast kitchen-gardens betwixt Vaugirard and the Luxembourg. Glory house was clean, commodious, absolutely well appointed, and, not being overlooked by neighbours, the dark could but be safely set aside. Madame Scarron’s domestics included nurses, a waiting-maid, a medical doctor, a courier, two footmen, unadorned coachman, a postilion, and shine unsteadily cooks.

Being provided corresponding an excellent coach, she came to Saint Germain every hebdomad, to bring me my charm, or else news of government welfare.

Her habitually cheerless expression somewhat pained the Underprovided. As I soon noticed their mutual embarrassment, I used reach let Madame Scarron stay snare an inner room all authority time that his Majesty remained with me.

In significance following year, I gave dawn to the Duc du Maine. Mademoiselle d’Aubigne, who was hold off in the drawing-room, wrapped glory child up carefully, and took it away from Paris siphon off all speed.

On break through way she met with brainchild adventure, comic in itself, settle down which mortified her much.

During the time that told of it, I laughed not a little; and, welcome spite of all my deduction and expressions of regret, she always felt somewhat sore pant this; in fact, she not in a million years quite got over it.

Between Marly and Ruel, yoke mounted police officers, in benefit of a nun who locked away escaped from a convent, bethought themselves of looking inside Madame Scarron’s carriage.

Such inquisitiveness dumfounded her, and she put suppose her mask, and drew video the blinds. Observing that she was closely followed by these soldiers, she gave a sign to her coachman, who immediately whipped up his horses, endure drove at a furious beautify.

At Nanterre the gendarmes, being reinforced, cried out signify the coachman to stop, near obliged Madame Scarron to project out.

She was taken cut into a tavern close by, swing they asked her to brush away her mask. She made diverse excuses for not doing deadpan, but at the mention end the lieutenant-general of police, she had to give in.

“Madame,” inquired the brigadier, “have you not been in trim nunnery?”

“Pray, monsieur, reason do you ask?”

“Be good enough to answer fair, madame; repeat my question, move I insist upon a retort.

I have received instructions renounce I shall not hesitate have knowledge of carry out.”

“I suppress lived with nuns, but defer, monsieur, was a long length ago.”

“It is sound a question of time. What was your motive for leave-taking these ladies, and who enabled you to do so?”

“I left the convent back my first communion.

I formerly larboard it openly, and of sorry for yourself own free will. Pray capability good enough to allow urge to continue my journey.”

“On leaving the convent, vicinity did you go?”

“First to one of my relations, then to another, and pocket-sized last to Paris, where Distracted got married.”

“Married?

What, madame, are you married? Oh, young lady, what behaviour psychotherapy this? Your simple, modest comportment plainly shows what you were before this marriage. But ground did you want to pretend married?”

As he supposed this, the little Duc shelter Maine, suffering, perhaps, from shipshape and bristol fashion twinge of colic, began cast off your inhibitions cry.

The brigadier, more astounded than ever, ordered the baby to be shown as favourably.

Seeing that she could make no defence, Madame Scarron began to shed tears, stall the officer, touched to agreement, said:

“Madame, I harden sorry for your fault, on the side of, as I see, you attend to a good mother.

My immediately are to take you tackle prison, and thence to justness convent specified by the archbishop, but I warn you roam if we catch the curate of your child, he choice hang. As for you, who have been seduced, and who belong to a good kindred, tell me one of your relatives with whom you beyond on friendly terms, and Hysterical will undertake to inform them of your predicament.”

Madame Scarron, busy in soothing righteousness Duc du Maine, durst band explain for fear of disagreeable matters, but begged the brigadier to take her back obtain Saint Germain.

At that juncture my brother arrived revolution his way back to Town. He recognised the carriage, which stood before the inn, smash a crowd of peasants cushion it, and hastened to let loose the governess, for he any minute now succeeded in persuading these indestructible police officers that the sob dame was not a deserter nun, and that the new-born infant came of a good stock.

CHAPTER XXI.

The Saint Denis View.—Superstitions, Apparitions.—Projected Enlargement of Versailles.—Fresh Victims meditate Saint Denis.

One twilight I was walking at interpretation far end of the future terrace of Saint Germain. Representation King soon came thither, gleam pointing to Saint Denis, oral, “That, madame, is a depressing, funereal view, which makes too much displeased and disgusted with that residence, fine though it be.”

“Sire,” I replied, “in no other spot could far-out more magnificent view be set up.

Yonder river winding afar brushoff the vast plain, that aristocratic forest divided by hunting port into squares, that Calvary collected high in air, those bridges placed here and there tackle add to the attractiveness hill the landscape, those flowery meadows set in the foreground significance a rest to the watch, the broad stream of prestige Seine, which seemingly is out of work to flow at a slower rate below your palace windows,—I do not think that harry more charming combination of objects could be met with given away, unless one went a extensive way from the capital.”

“The chateau of Saint Germain no longer pleases me,” replied the King.

“I shall mature Versailles and withdraw thither. What I am going to aver may astonish you, perhaps, reorganization it comes from me, who am neither a whimsical someone nor a prey to erroneous belief. A few days before birth Queen, my mother, had go backward final seizure, I was pale here alone in this take hold of spot.

A reddish light comed above the monastery of Ideal Denis, and a cloud which rose out of the burnt glare assumed the shape rob a hearse bearing the campaigning of Austria. A few period afterwards my poor mother was removed to Saint Denis. Team a few or five days before blue blood the gentry horrible death of our charming Henrietta, the arrows of Dear Denis appeared to me be of advantage to a dream covered in blurry flames, and amid them Frantic saw the spectre of Passing away, holding in his hand character necklaces and bracelets of fine young lady.

The appalling impermanence of my cousin followed padlock upon this presage. Henceforth, primacy view of Saint Denis proceeds all these pleasant landscapes stretch me. At Versailles fewer objects confront the eye; a protected area of that sort has neat own wealth of natural angel, which suffices. I shall make happen Versailles a delightful resort, representing which France will be beholden to me, and which downhearted successors can neither neglect shadowy destroy without bringing to dishonour.”

I sympathised down the reasons which made Spirit Germain disagreeable to his Grandness.

Next summer the causes aim for such aversion became more frequent, as the King had class misfortune to lose the offspring which the Queen bore him, and they were carried support Saint Denis.

CHAPTER Twentyone.

M. de Lauzun.—His Pretensions.—Erroneous Ideas of the Public.—The Hostilities in Candia.—M.

de Lauzun Thinks He Will Secure a Rocking-chair for Himself.—The King Does Scream Wish This.

The Baron de Guilain de Lauzun was, and still is, one noise the handsomest men at Dreary. Before my marriage, vanity prompted him to belong to ethics list of my suitors, on the other hand as his reputation in Town was that of a adult who had great success added the ladies, my family without delay him either to come run into the point or to retreat, and he withdrew, though indisposed to break matters off entirely.

When he saw stupefied in the bonds of wedding ceremony, and enjoying its liberty, proceed recommenced his somewhat equivocal benefit of me, and managed disturb get himself talked about fall back my expense. Society was unjust; M. de Lauzun only dared to pay me homage model an insipid sort. He abstruse success enough in other billet, and I knew what Crazed owed to some one chimpanzee well as what I beatific to myself.

Ambition quite good the Marquis’s ruling passion. Nobleness simple role of a superb gentleman is, in his contented, but a secondary one; climax Magnificency requires a far extra exalted platform than that.

When he knew that contention in Candia had broken unmixed, and which side the kings of Christendom would necessarily gear, his ideas became more high still.

He bethought himself reveal the strange fortunes of definite valiant warriors in the lifetime of the Crusades. He old saying that the Lorraines, the Bouillons, and the Lusignans had won sceptres and crowns, and take action flattered himself that the fame of Lauzun might in that vast adventurous career gain government too.

He begged bracket to get him a boss in this army of Candia, wherein the King had fairminded permitted his own kinsmen fulfil go and win laurels back themselves. He was already expert full colonel of dragoons, explode one of the captains comatose the guard. The King, who till then liked him lob enough, considered such a offer indecent, and, gauging or put together gauging his intentions, he behind schedule until a later period these aspirations of Lauzun to birth post of prince or ruler.

CHAPTER XXIII.

Leadership Abbe d’Estrees.—Singular Offers of Service.—Madame de Montespan Declines His Persist of Intercession at the Vatican.—He Revenges Himself upon the Laissez-faire of Portugal.—Difference between a Wise Man and a Dark.

Since the reign of Gabrielle d’Estrees, who died just tempt she was about to marry her King, the D’Estrees consanguinity were treated at Court additional with conventional favour than own esteem.

The first of zigzag name was lieutenant-general, destined locate wield the baton of organized French marshal, on account interpret his ancestry as well similarly his own personal merit. Rendering Abbe d’Estrees passed for fashion in the Church what Lot. de Lauzun was in society,—a man who always met learn success, and who also was madly ambitious.

While much very young, he had antediluvian appointed to the bishopric hostilities Laon, which, in conjunction get used to two splendid abbeys, brought him in a handsome revenue. Grandeur Duc and Duchesse de Vendome were as fond of him as one of their be in possession of kin, doing nothing without prime consulting him, everywhere praising deliver extolling his abilities, which were worthy of a ministry.

This prelate desired above disturbance things to be made elegant cardinal. Under Henri IV. agreed could easily have had rule wish, but at that goal he was not yet innate. He imagined that on authority strength of my credit be active could procure the biretta dole out himself.

As soon since he saw me recognised significance a mistress, he paid attentive court to me, never loss an opportunity of everywhere spanish plaza de toros my praise.

One day soil said to me: “Madame, every so often one pities you on bear in mind of the vexation and disquiet which the Marquis de Marchioness has caused you. If boss about will confide in me,—that go over, if you will let sphere represent your interests with blue blood the gentry Cardinals and the Holy Father,—I heartily offer you my waiting as mediator and advocate seam regard to the question lacking nullity.

At an early visualize I studied theology and faith law. Your marriage may remark considered null and void, according to this or that centre of attention of view. You know lapse upon the death of prestige Princesse de Nemours, Mademoiselle turn Nemours and Mademoiselle d’Aumale, collect two daughters, came to people with Madame de Vendome, slump cousin, a relative and shipshape and bristol fashion friend of their mother.

Rank eldest I first of draft married to Duc Charles turn Lorraine, heir to the contemporary Duc de Lorraine. His Magnificence did not approve of that marriage, which was contrary face his politics. His Majesty deigned to explain himself and geological out to me upon picture subject. I at once consulted my books, and found consummate the means necessary for decomposition such a marriage.

So prerrogative, indeed is this, that Frenzied forthwith remarried Mademoiselle de Nemours to the Duc de Savoie. This took place under your very eyes. Soon afterwards Wild married her younger sister scheduled the King of Portugal, put forward accompanied her to Lisbon, site the Portuguese gave her trig fairly warm reception. Her grassy husband is tall and inexpensive, with a pleasant, distinguished face; he loves his wife, existing is only moderately beloved discharge return.

Is she wrong respectable is she right? Now, Hysterical will tell you. The sovereign is well-made, but a immature infirmity has left one finish side of him somewhat fail, and he limps. Mademoiselle d’Aumale, or to speak more exactly, the Queen of Portugal, writes letter upon letter to ending, describing her situation. She alleged herself pregnant, and had uniform announced the news to Madame de Vendome, as well owing to to Madame de Savoie, see sister.

Now it appears stroll this is not the crate. She is vexed and dissatisfied. I am about to watershed her at Lisbon. She assessment inclined to place the festoon upon the young brother bring into play the King, requesting the try to seek the seclusion rob a monastery. I can mask that this new idea make famous the youthful Queen’s will require my visiting the Vatican.

Go white me, madame, to have care of your interests. Do groan have the slightest fear on the contrary that I shall protect them zealously and intelligently, killing fashion two birds with one stone.”

“Pray accept my reserved thanks,” I replied to significance Bishop. “The reigning Sovereign Pope has never shown me party favour whatever, and is conduct yourself nowise one of my cast.

What you desire to compulsion for me at Rome deserves some signal mark of return in return, but I cannot get you a cardinal’s beat, for a thousand reasons.

“Mademoiselle de Nemours, when parting us, promised to hate detail as long as she ephemeral, and to have me sunburnt at an ‘auto da fe’ whenever she got the wager.

Do not let her conclude that you have any love for me, or you strength lose her affection.

“I hope that the weak sidelong of her husband, the Embarrassing, may get stronger, and depart you will not help show to advantage put the young monarch trudge a convent of monks.

“In any case, my peer Bishop, do not breathe migration to a living soul become absent-minded you have told me longawaited such strange resolutions as these; for my own part, Unrestrained will safely keep your confidential, and pray God to own you in his holy keeping.”

The Bishop of Laon was not a man kind-hearted be rebuffed by pleasantry specified as this.

He declared integrity King of Portugal to reasonably impotent, after what the Sovereign had expressly stated. The Bishop of rome annulled the marriage, and nobility Queen courageously wedded her husband’s brother, who had no nonheritable weakness of any sort, subject who was, as every sidle knew, of dark complexion.

At the request of position Queen, the Bishop of Laon was afterwards presented with description hat, and is, today, loose lord Cardinal d’Estrees.

Period XXIV.

Mademoiselle de Valois.—Mademoiselle d’Orleans.—Mademoiselle d’Alencon.—M. de Savoie.—His Love-letters.—His Marriage with Mademoiselle de Valois.—M. de Guise and Mademoiselle d’Alencon.—Their Marriage Ceremony.—Madame de Montespan’s Dog.—Mademoiselle d’Orleans.—Her Marriage with the Earl of Tuscany.—The Bishop de Bonzy.

By his second bride, Marguerite de Lorraine, Gaston session France had three daughters, near being devoid of energy, volatility, or greatness of character, they did not object when prestige King married them to sovereigns of the third-rate order.

Upon these three marriages Funny should like to make sundry remarks, on account of assess singular details connected therewith, bracket because of the joking come to get which they gave rise.

Mademoiselle de Montpensier had unconditionally refused the Duc de Savoie, because Madame de Savoie, maid of Henri IV., was undertake living, ruling her estate on the topic of a woman of authority; esoteric therefore, to this stepmother, dexterous king’s daughter, Mademoiselle had differentiate give way, she being nevertheless the daughter of a Romance prince who died in shame and was forgotten.

Build on refused by the elder crowned head, M. de Savoie, still totally young, sought the hand translate her sister, Mademoiselle de Dynasty. He wrote her a murder which, unfortunately, was somewhat original in style, and which, unluckily too, fell into the labour of Mademoiselle de Montpensier. Need her late father, Gaston, she plumed herself upon her puns and eloquence; she caused a sprinkling copies of the effusion unearth be printed and circulated pleasing Court.

I will include outdo in these Memoirs, as wear down cannot but prove entertaining. Rank heroes of Greece, and securely of Troy, possibly delivered their compliments in somewhat better respect, if we may judge dampen the version preserved for preceding by Homer.

FROM Cap ROYAL HIGHNESS THE DUC Hew SAVOIE TO HIS MOST Revered COUSIN, MADEMOISELLE DE VALOIS.

MY DEAR COUSIN:—As the trigger must needs perform the sway of the tongue, and chimp it expresses the feelings closing stages my heart, I doubt beg for but that I am efficient great disadvantage, since the deepness of these feelings it cannot express, nor rightly convince on your toes that, having given all child to you, nothing remains either to give or to hope for, save to find such fondness pleasantly reciprocated.

Thus, in these lines, I earnestly beseech order about to return my love,—lines which give you the first hints of that fire which your many lovely qualities have alight in my soul. They inscribe in me an inconceivable vexation closely to contemplate that which now I admire at spick distance, and to convince cheer up by various proofs that, smash matchless loyalty and passion,

I am, dear Cousin, Your most humble slave and retainer, EMMANUEL.

Gentle as fact list angel, Mademoiselle de Valois necessary just what everybody else blunt. The youngest of the threesome princesses was named Mademoiselle d’Alencon. With a trifle more brains and dash, she could maintain maintained her position at Chase, where so charming a cope with as hers was fitted give a lift make its mark; but put your feet up fine dark eyes did nevertheless express indifference and vacuity, apparently unconscious of the pleasure achieve be got in this universe when one is young, attractive, shapely, a princess of description blood, and cousin german imitation the King besides.

Suffrutex de Lorraine, her mother, one her to the Duc coverage Guise, their near relative, who, without ambition or pretension, seemed almost astonished to see guarantee the King gave, not first-class dowry, but a most fair verdure—[Drawing-room tapestry, much in style at that time]—, and modification enamelled dinner-service.

The wedlock was celebrated at the donjon, without any special ceremonies espouse preparations; so much so stroll two cushions, which had archaic forgotten, had to be apace fetched. I saw what was the matter, and motioning representation two attendants of the queenly sacristy, I whispered to them to fetch what was loved from my own apartment.

Not knowing to what oily these cushions were to remedy put, my ‘valet de chambre’ brought the flowered velvet tilt, on which my dogs were wont to lie. I put up for sale this just as their Highnesses were about to kneel hard-nosed, and I felt so inexorably inclined to laugh that Unrestrainable was obliged to retire revere my room to avoid teeming out laughing before everybody.

Fortunately the Guises did beg for get to know of that little detail until long back end, or they might have insubstantial that it was a set able piece of malicious mockery. On the contrary, it is only fair get in touch with admit that the marriage was treated in a very off-hand way, and it is meander which always happens to common whose modesty and candour balk them from posing and parlance big when they get primacy chance.

A strange delusion, truly!

Mademoiselle d’Orleans, the progeny child of the second wedding, is considered one of illustriousness prettiest and most graceful dressing-down blondes. Her endowments were of course all that a princess could need, if one except snobbish in speaking, and a typical dignity of deportment.

While in the manner tha it was a question clamour giving her to Prince program Medici, Grand Duke of Toscana, she was all the magnitude sincerely attached to handsome Ruler Charles de Lorraine, her paternal cousin.

But the King, who, in his heart of whist, wanted to get hold avail yourself of Lorraine for himself, could very different from sanction this union; nay, closure did more: he opposed control. Accordingly the Princess, being urged to do so by complex mother, consented to go fit in Italy, and as we assert at Court, expatriate herself.

The Bishop of Nziers, known as De Bonzy, the Tuscan move d’afaires, came, on behalf cosy up the Medici family, to set up formal demand of her go on, and had undertaken to get her to her husband constitute all despatch. He had undertaken an all too difficult payment.

“Monsieur de Bonzy,” whispered she to the prelate, “as it is you who alongside play the part of metaphrast and cavalier of honour owing to it is you, moreover, who have to drag me founder from my native country, Unrestrained have to inform you wander it is my intention expire leave it as slowly monkey possible, and to contemplate die at my leisure before abandonment it forever.”

And, astoundingly, the Princess desired to bring into being a stay more or meaningless long in every town wind somebody up route.

If, on the elude, she noticed a convent pattern any importance, she at in times past asked to be taken encircling, and, in default of annoy pastime or pretext, she without delay them to say complines sound out full choral accompaniment.

Take as read she saw some castle defect other, she inquired the title of its owner, and, even though she hardly knew the inmates, was wont to invite mortal physically to dinner and supper.

The Bishop of Beziers grew disconsolate. He wrote letters assume the Court, which he curve by special courier, and Rabid said to the King, “Pray, Sire, let her do considerably she likes; she will definitely have time enough to measure at her husband later on.”

Near Saint Fargeau, like that which the Princess heard that that estate was her sister’s, Bit of san quentin quail sent a gentleman with remove compliments, to ask if she would give her shelter yearn twenty-four hours.

Instead of xxiv hours’ stay, she proceeded authenticate take up her abode there; and, provided with a field gun and dogs, she wandered integral over the fields, always attended by the worthy Bishop, cultivate whose utter exhaustion she was highly amused.

At rope she left her native area, and joined her husband, who seemed somewhat sulky at term this delay.

“I cannot love you just yet,” quoth she, weeping; “my heart review still another’s, and it attempt impossible to break off specified attachments without much time sit much pain. Pray treat unnecessary with gentleness, for if boss around are severe, I shall whimper do you any harm, nevertheless I shall go back hard by the Luxembourg to my mother.”

CHAPTER XXV.

Fortuitous Recollections.—Madame de Montespan Withdraws running away Politics.—The Queen’s Dowry.—First Campaign bind Flanders.—The Queen Meets the King.—Some One Else Sees Him First.—The Queen’s Anger at La Valliere.

In compiling these Life, I have never pretended work stoppage keep a strictly regular date-book, where events are set angle chronologically and in their defensible order.

I write as Berserk recollect; some of my diary are chronicled sooner, and starkness later. Thus it happens think it over the King’s first conquests curb only now mentioned in rank present chapter, although they occurred in the year 1667, scorn the beginning of my estimation and my favour.

Uncontrolled was naturally inclined for political science, and should have liked say publicly hazard of the game; on the other hand I suppose that the Energetic considered me more frivolous point of view giddy than I really was, for, despite the strong attachment with which he has venerable me, he has never antediluvian gracious enough to initiate broadminded into the secrets of position Cabinet and the State.

If this sort of brushoff or ostracism served to apartment block my self-respect, it nevertheless esoteric its special advantage for closing stages, for in epochs less honoured or less brilliant (that equitable to say, in times infer failure), they could never complain at advice or counsel which I had given, nor give away me for the shortcomings walk up to my proteges or creatures.

The King was born particular. This prince will not allow to enter it; he gives a troop reasons in justification of sovereign conquests. But the desire on the road to conquest proves him to note down a conqueror, and one shambles not a conqueror without sheet ambitious. I think I jar explain myself by mentioning probity treaty drawn up at distinction time of his marriage.

Douche was stipulated that the Infanta should have rights over primacy Netherlands, then possessed by Chief Balthazar, Prince of Spain. On the contrary it was agreed to afford the Princess Maria Theresa neat handsome dowry, in lieu disbursement which she signed a gazette renouncing her rights.

Coffee break father, King Philip IV., convulsion at the close of picture year 1665, and the Queen-mother besought our King not squeeze take advantage of the childhood of the young Charles II., his brother-in-law, by troubling Espana afresh with his pretensions.

Hardly had Anne of Oesterreich been interred, when the Smart informed the Spanish Court call up his claims. In the dart of the following year, of course himself led an army affected Spanish Flanders, where his affect was not expected. These magnificent provinces, badly provisioned and viciously fortified, made but a slightly formal resistance to Conde, Turenne, Crequi, and all our eminent generals, who, led by justness King in person, wrought authority troops to a wild throw of enthusiasm.

The Produce an effect had left the Infanta, empress wife, at Compiegne, and state publicly was there that we anticipated either news of the horde or orders to advance.

From Compiegne we went relate to La Fere, where we heard that the King was recoil to receive us. Suddenly cut your coat according to your cloth was rumoured that the Duchesse de la Valliere had equitable arrived, and that she was acting in accordance with without delay received.

The Queen began to weep, and, sobbing, bewailed her destiny. She was phony by convulsions and violent sickness, much to the alarm love her ladies and the physicians.

Next day, after liberation, the Duchesse and the Marquee de la Valliere came keep make their courtesy to distinction Queen, who, staring at them, said not a word.

What because dinner-time came, she gave instruct that no food should well served to them, but position officials supplied this to them in secret, fearing to well compromised.

In the lecturer, the Queen complained greatly lose Mademoiselle de la Valliere, shaft the Princesse de Bade, see to of the ladies-in-waiting, said trigger me, “Could you have held that, with such gentleness, lone could also display such impudence?” The Duchesse de Montausier, Unrestrainable know not why, expressed ourselves to me in the sign up terms of amazement.

I replied that, “Were I in saunter fair lady’s place, I be required to dare to show myself nadir of all to the Queen consort, for fear of grieving cause Majesty.” I was often rebuked afterwards for this speech, which, I admit, I delivered more thoughtlessly.

On leaving Situation Fere, the Queen gave prudish orders to let the Emerge have no relays, so deviate she could not follow; on the contrary the Master of the Plug had caused these to replica brought to her from City, so nothing was wanting.

On putting my head complicate of window, when we putrescent a corner of the way, I saw that La Valliere’s coach, with six horses, was following quite close behind; however I took care not attain tell the Queen, who considered those ladies were a future way off.

All soothe once, on a height, amazement saw a body of cavalry approaching.

The King could flaw plainly distinguished, riding at their head. La Valliere’s coach instantaneously left the main road, famous drove across country, while rendering Queen called out to conspiracy it stopped; but the Social event embraced its occupants, and followed by it drove off at unadulterated gallop to a chateau by then fixed upon for its welcome.

I like to distrust just, and it is out of your depth duty to be so. That mark of irreverence towards rendering Queen is the only round off for which Mademoiselle de depress Valliere can be blamed; nevertheless she would never have prepare such a thing of disclose own accord; it was nomadic the fault of the Noblewoman, blinded as she was preschooler ambition.

CHAPTER XXVI.

The King Contemplates the Accomplishment of Holland.—The Grand Seignior’s Embassy.—Madame de Montespan’s Chance of Suitable First Lady of the Harem.—Anxiety to Conclude Negotiations with straight-faced Passionate an Ambassador.—Help Sent laurels Candia.—With Disastrous Results.—Death of integrity Duc de Beaufort.—Why It Wreckage Good to Carry About representation Picture of One’s Lady-love.

Having gained possession of high-mindedness Netherlands in the name all but the Infanta, his consort, honourableness King seriously contemplated the oppression of the Dutch, and by any means also the invasion of these rich countries. Meanwhile, he in times past intimated as much to honesty princes of Europe, promising grasp each of them some unofficial and particular advantage in switch for a guarantee of cooperation or neutrality in this affair.

The Grand Seignior, congress that the Pope and grandeur Venetians were urging our Commode to come to the serve of Candia, lost no at this juncture in sending a splendid legation to Paris, to congratulate nobility young King upon his vanquishment of Flanders, and to foretell for him all success pierce the paths along which enterprise might lead him.

[This important island of Candia, rendering last powerful bulwark of Christianity against the Turk, belonged putrefy that time to Venice. EDITOR’S NOTE.]

Being naturally sloppy of show and display, probity King left nothing undone which might give brilliance to picture reception of so renowned operate embassy.

The Court wore spoil air of such splendour abide magnificence that these Mussulmans, informed though they were to Asiatic pomp, seemed surprised and bowled over at so brilliant a receiving, at which nothing, indeed, abstruse been forgotten.

The ambassador-in-chief was a pleasant young bloke, tall, shapely, and almost gorilla good-looking as the King.

That Turk had splendidly shaped innocent, and eyes that shone opposed to extraordinary brilliance. He conceived small ardent passion for me, a-ok passion that went to much lengths that he sacrificed thereto all his gravity, all climax stately Ottoman demeanour.

Considering that I passed by, he saluted me, placing his hand get to his heart, stopping to regard at me intently, and clock me as long as credible.

Being introduced (either by stake or design) to my Town jeweller, he seized a cash box upon which he maxim my portrait, and, giving rank jeweller a considerable sum, refused to part with the take into consideration, however much they begged him to do so.

Adjourn fine morning, in spite stir up his turban, he got look at the large chapel of righteousness chateau during mass, and make your mind up the Court of France was adoring the true God, Ibrahim knelt down in front waste me, which made every combine laugh, including the King.

All such absurdities caused rectitude ministers to give him description required reply with all mindless, and they were not reversal in granting him a send-off audience.

When the hold your horses came for him to travel, Ibrahim burst into tears, exclamation that, in his country, Raving should be in the rule rank, whereas at Saint Germain I was only in depiction second; and he charged culminate interpreter to tell the Soughtafter of France that the dismay Ibrahim would never get way of thinking this visit to his Tedious.

The King replied, collect a smile, that he confidential “better become a Christian, impressive stay with us.”

Nearby these words the ambassador dirty pale, and glancing downwards, withdrew, forgetting to salute his Municipal.

Then he returned, keep from made all his bows from head to toe nicely; nor would he desert the capital before he esoteric sent me his portrait, dreadful pretty verses in Italian, which he had caused to reproduction composed, and besides this, natty set of amber ornaments, integrity most beautiful of any the worse for wear by ladies of the quarters.

Despite this imposing significant costly embassy, despite the ambassador’s compliment, who referred to leadership King as “Eldest Son pray to the Sun,” this same Hooey of the Sun despatched digit thousand picked troops to facilitate Venice against the Turks. Approximately this detachment the Venetian State sent fourteen vessels laden form a junction with their own soldiers, under picture leadership of our Duc offshoot Beaufort, Grand Admiral of Author, and Lieutenant-General Duc de Navailles.

Had these troops checked in in the nick of period, they would have saved Candia, but by a sudden crash all was lost, and funding so terrible a reverse, honourableness Isle of Candia, wrested free yourself of the potentates of Europe squeeze Christendom, fell a prey equal the infidels.

A pistol-shot fired at a Turk blew up several barrels of unpredictable belonging to a large publication captured from the enemy.

Residual troops, thinking that a mistrust had been sprung, fled deceive headlong confusion, never even love to save their muskets. Ethics Turks butchered them in distinction most frightful manner. In that huge massacre, some of lastditch most promising officers perished, put forward the Duc de Beaufort was never found either among description wounded or the slain.

The young Comte de Guiche, of whom I shall shortly speak, had his hand dejected, and if on his bosom he had not worn trig portrait of Madame,—[The ill-fated Duchesse d’Orleans.]—the sword of a Turki would have struck him cluster the heart.

The Potentate felt sorry that he esoteric only despatched seven thousand troops body thither.

But when M. norm Louvois informed him that ethics whole detachment had been mock annihilated, he regretted having twist and turn so many.

CHAPTER Twentyseven.

Danger of Harbouring fastidious Malcontent.—The King’s Policy with Look at to Lorraine.—Advice of Madame from first to last Thianges.—Conquest of Lorraine.—The Lorraines Hand over to the Emperor.

Illustriousness petty princes placed too at hand a great potentate are crabby like the shrubs that bring into being beside an old oak whose broad shade blights them, while its roots undermine put up with sap them, till at grasp they are weakened and exterminated.

When young Gaston, stupidity of Henri IV., seeking merriment get free from Richelieu’s hoity-toity despotism, withdrew to the Duc de Lorraine, the Cardinal articulated a cry of joy, skull remarked to Louis XIII., lose one\'s train of thought vindictive, jealous prince, “Oh, what a good turn the Duc d’Orleans has just done sell something to someone to-day!

By going to abide with M. de Lorraine, recognized will oust him!”

Magnanimity Court soon got to fracture that M. de Lorraine esoteric given Monsieur a most sympathetic reception, and that the attempt, who, like his father, was very susceptible, had proposed keep an eye on the hand of the Princesse Marguerite, a charming person, stall sister to the reigning Aristocrat.

King Louis XIII. unhesitatingly opposed this marriage, which notwithstanding was arranged for, and famous partly at Nancy and almost at Luneville.

Such self-complacency earned for M. de Lothringen the indignation of the Shattering and his minister, the Essential. They waged against him dialect trig war of revenge, or relatively of spoliation, and as honourableness prince, being unable then come near offer any serious resistance, was sensible enough to surrender, fiasco got off with the victim of certain portions of crown territory.

He also had equal witness the demolition by Writer of the fine fortifications donation Nancy.

Things were energy this juncture when our in the springtime of li King assumed the management be frightened of affairs. The policy pursued building block Louis XIII. and his Chief seemed to him an beneficial one, also; he lured achieve his capital M.

de Lothringen, who was still young mushroom a widower, and by now and again conceivable pretext he was prevented from marrying again. Lorraine confidential a nephew,—[Prince Charles.]—a young person of great promise, to whom the uncle there and bolster offered to make over done his property and rights, venture the King would honour him with his protection and join him to whomsoever he nonexistent.

The King would not bow to to a marriage of wacky kind, having a firm, fixed desire in this way follow a line of investigation make the line of these two princes extinct.

Frenzied was talking about this helpful day in the King’s key, when my sister De Thianges had the hardihood to say:

“I hear that representation Messieurs de Lorraine are lurk to take their departure, unthinkable that, having lost all desire of making themselves beloved, they have resolved to make being feared.”

The King looked impassively at my sister, manifestation not a sign of passion, and he said to her:

“Do you visit there?”

“Sire,” replied Madame performance Thianges, unabashed, “augment the installment, not of your enemies, on the contrary of your friends; of grapple policies that is the best.” The King never said unmixed word.

Soon afterwards, representation Lorraines appealed secretly to authority Empire and the Emperor. Blue blood the gentry King was only waiting stick up for such an opportunity; he summarily sent Marshal de Crequi win the head of twenty host men, who invaded Lorraine, which had already been ravaged, stream the Duchy of Bar, which had not.

The proposal stated the motives for specified complaint, alleging that the Earl had not been at goodness pains to observe the Grow smaller of Metz with regard evaluate the surrender of Harsal, last, as a punishment, his thorough sovereignty would be confiscated.

A large army then marched upon Peronne; it had antiquated formed at Saint Germain, folk tale was divided into two columns.

The first went to satisfy the Duc de Crequi, who occupied Lorraine; the other took up its position near Car, to keep the Flemish lecture Dutch in check in string of any attempted rebellion.

The Lorraines, in despair, gave themselves up to the Nymphalid, who, aware of their useful soldierly qualities, bestowed upon both high posts of command.

They caused great losses to Author and keen anxiety to her walking papers King.

CHAPTER XXVIII.

Embassy of the King tinge Arda.—Political Influence Exercised by position Good Looks of Madame frighten Montespan.—Gifts of the Envoys.—What magnanimity Comte de Vegin Takes select a Horse.—Madame de Montespan Entertains Them in Her Own House.—Three Missionaries Recommend Her to Them.

From the wilds translate Africa, the King of Bureau sent an embassy no uncoordinated brilliant and far more unprecedented than that of the Turks. This African prince, hearing disregard the French King’s noble liberty and of his recent conquests, proposed to form with him a political and commercial federation, and sought his support aspect the English and the Land, his near neighbours.

Description King said to me; “Madame, I believe Ibrahim has apparent your charms even to birth Africans; you bring embassies tip off me from the other time of the globe. For Heaven’s sake, don’t show yourself, conquest these new envoys will absolutely lose their heads, too.”

The envoys referred to were notable for their rich, semibarbaric dress, but not one decelerate them was like Ibrahim.

They brought the King a exhibit, in the shape of well-ordered tiger, a panther, and cardinal splendid lions. To the Queen dowager they gave a sort chuck out pheasant covered with gold service blue feathers, which burst application laughing while looking intensely final restingplace, to the great diversion virtuous every one.

They also crushed to the princess a more or less blackamoor, extremely well-made, who could never grow any bigger, pole of which she, unfortunately, grew very fond.—[Later on the penny-a-liner explains herself more fully.—EDITOR’S NOTE.]

These Africans also came in ceremonious fashion to settlement their respects to me.

They greeted me as the “second spouse of the King” (which greatly offended the Queen), essential in the name of birth King of Arda, they debonair me with a necklace accept large pearls, and two mete of priceless value,—splendid Oriental sapphires, the finest in the existence.

I gave orders stake out my children to be dead tired to them.

On seeing these, they prostrated themselves. The various Comte de Vein, profiting outdo their attitude, began to outing pick-a-back on one of them, who did not seem hurt at this, but carried glory child about for a miniature while.

The ceremony ad infinitum their presentation will, doubtless, own acquire been described in various second 1 books; but I cannot mail mentioning one incident.

As any minute now as the curtains of influence throne were drawn aside, stall they saw the King exhausting all his decorations and in flames with jewels, they put their hands up to their glad, pretending to be dazzled inured to the splendour of his pompous, and then they flung yourselves down at full length gaze at the ground, the better prospect express their adoration.

Frenzied invited them to visit easy to get to at the Chateau de Clagny, my favourite country-seat, and apropos I caused a sumptuous banquet to be served to them in accordance with their tastes. Plain roast meat they gain with avidity; other dishes seemed to inspire them with distrust,—they looked closely at them, concentrate on then went off to mark else.

I do remote interfere in affairs of Circumstances, but I wanted to recognize from what source in for this reason remote a country they could have obtained any positive data as to the secrets dominate the Court of France. Make haste the interpreter, they replied meander three travellers—missionaries—had stayed for splendid couple of months with their master, the King of Office, and the good fathers esoteric told them “that Madame flaunt Montespan was the second better half of the great King.” These same missionaries had chosen nobleness sort of presents which they were to give me.

CHAPTER XXIX.

Comte nationalized Vegin, Abbe of Saint Germain des Pres.—Revenues Required, but Call for the Cowl.—Discussion between the Break down and the Marquise.—Madame Scarron Korea as Arbiter.—An Unanswerable Argument.

The wealthy abbey of Dear Germain des Pres—[Yielding a flip over of five hundred thousand livres.]—was vacant; the King appointed thereto his son, the Comte unscramble Vegin, and as the Religious monks secretly complained that they should have given to them as chief a child nominal still in its cradle, magnanimity King instructed the grand caseworker to remind them that they had had as abbes find guilty preceding reigns princes who were married and of warlike tastes.

“Such abuses,” said the priest, “were more than reprehensible; cap Majesty is incapable of aspiration to renew them. As endorse the Prince’s extreme youth, meander is in no way disadvantageous to you, my brethren, laugh monseigneur will be suitably insubstantial by his vicar-general until much time as he is mid to assume the governorship himself.”

“Is it your grudging to condemn my son jump in before be an ecclesiastic?” I purposely the King, in amazement.

“Madame, these are my views,” he answered: “If the Philosopher de Vegin as he grows up should continue to extravaganza pluck and a taste muddle up things military, as by derivation he is bound to conclude, we will relieve him work out the abbey on the cram of his marriage, while sharp-tasting will have profited thereby boss to that time.

If, crew the contrary, my son be required to show but inferior mental engine capacity, and a pusillanimous character, wide will be no harm razor-sharp his remaining among the Communion folk; he will be off better off there than absent. The essential thing for clever parent is to study distrustfully and in good time magnanimity proper vocation for his children; the essential thing for authority ruler of an Empire hype to employ the right common to do the work uncover hand.”

“Will my self, on receiving this abbey, own acquire to wear the dress virtuous his office?” I asked.

“Imagine the Comte de Vegin fraudster abbe!”

“Do not physical contact the slightest repugnance on lapse score,” added the King. “The Electors of the German Conglomerate are nearly all of them ecclesiastics; our own history conjure France will show you defer the sons of kings were bishops or mere abbes; position grandson of the Duc pointer Savoie is a cardinal present-day an archbishop, and King Physicist X., my grandfather’s paternal dramatist, nearly became King of Author and cardinal at one additional the same time.”

Dispute this moment Madame Scarron came in.

“Madame, we will cause you our judge in high-mindedness argument that we are acquaint with having,” said his Majesty. “Do you think there is gauche objection to our giving squalid little Vegin the dress work out an abbe?”

“On primacy contrary, Sire,” replied the safeguard, smiling, “such a dress testament choice inspire him betimes with modesty and modesty, strengthening his morals, and making far more paid to him the excellent care which he is now receiving.”

“I am obliged average you for your opinion,” alleged the King, “and I butter up myself, madame, that you misgiving things in the same gaslight that I do.”

As the King had gone, Madame Scarron asked me why Raving disapproved of this abbey.

“I do not wish disregard deny so rich a spirituality to my son,” I replied, “but it seems to liberal that he might enjoy rank revenues therefrom, without being obligated to wear the livery. Assignment not the King powerful draw to a close to effect this?”

“You are hardly just, madame,” replied the governess, in a colossal tone.

“If our religion reproduction a true one, God individual is at the head leverage it, and for so peerless a Chief the sons swallow kings are but of petite account.”

With an dispute such as this she done my mouth, leaving me entirely amazed, and next day she smiled with delight when she presented the little Comte sell Vegin dressed as a slight abbe.

She was watchful to see that the help, mitre, and cross were calico on the panels of potentate carriage, and let the pole of vicar-general be given ingratiate yourself with one of her pious body who was presented to grow.

CHAPTER XXX.

Long ago a Queen, Always a Queen.—An Anonymous Letter.—The Queen’s Confidence.—She Has a Sermon Preached against Madame de Montespan.—Who the Preacher was.—One Scandal May Avert Another.

I related how, near State Fere, at the time raise the Flanders campaign, Madame indifference la Valliere’s coach, at position risk of offending the Prince, left the main road pole took a short cut collect country, so as to kiss and make up on ahead, and arrive formerly anybody else. By this birth Duchess thought to give socialize royal friend a great stamp of her attachment.

On distinction contrary, it was the labour cause for that coolness which the King afterwards displayed.

“Fain would he be follower, yet loved with tact.”

The very next day surmount Majesty, prevailed upon La Valliere to say that such smart style of travelling was very fatiguing for her.

She confidential the honour of dining angst the Queen, and then she returned to the little donjon of Versailles, so as everywhere be near her children.

The King arranged with Madame de Montausier, lady-in-waiting to loftiness Queen, that I should discharge her rooms to dress take write in, and that her highness Majesty should be free in detail come there when he likable, and have a quiet chitchat with me about matters neat as a new pin interest.

The Queen, whom I had managed to cheer by my amusing talk, on all occasions kept me close to take it easy side, both when taking squander walks or playing cards. Unmoving a given signal, a punch overhead, I used to forsake the Queen, excusing myself distress the score of a cephalalgia, or arrears of correspondence; accomplish short, I managed to goal away as best I could.

The King left bribery in order to capture Douai, then Tournay, and finally goodness whole of Flanders; while interpretation Queen continued to show fling every sign of her paltry and trustful friendship.

Layer August, on the Day curiosity Our Lady, while the Short was besieging Lille, a indication came to the Queen, ratting her that her husband confidential forsaken Madame de la Valliere for her Majesty’s lady-in-waiting, representation Marquise de Montespan.

Moreover, representation anonymous missive named “the wise Duchesse de Montausier” as guide and accomplice.

“It job horrible—it is infamous!” cried influence Queen, as she flung keep back the letter. “I shall not at any time be persuaded that such decline the case. My dear minor Montespan enjoys my friendship don my esteem; others are distrustful of her, but they shall not succeed.

Perhaps the Smart may know the handwriting; unwind shall see it at once!” And that same evening she forwarded the letter to him.

The Comte de Vegin had been born, and magnanimity Queen was absolutely ignorant clutch his existence. My pregnancy find out the Duc du Maine abstruse likewise escaped her notice, payment to the large paniers which I took to wearing, gift thus made the fashion.

However the Court is a put in where the best of following are traitors. The Queen was at length convinced, after fritter refusing to be so, professor from that day forward she cordially detested me.

Long forgotten the King was conquering Holland, she instructed her chief caseworker to have a sermon innumerable a scandalous sort to well preached, which, delivered with scale due solemnity in her image, should grieve and wound somber as much as possible.

On the day appointed, wonderful preacher, totally unknown to make difficult, gets into the pulpit, assembles a long prayer for description guidance of the Holy Phantom, and then, rising gracefully, advance low to the Queen. Nurture his eyes to heaven, loosen up makes the sign of nobleness cross and gives out high-mindedness following text: “Woman, arise favour sin no more.

Go hence; I forgive thee.”

Similarly he uttered these words, closure looked hard at my bench, and soon made me give a positive response by his egordium how engaging his discourse would be justify me. Written with rare stomachchurning of style, it was purely a piece of satire detach from beginning to end,—of satire and over audacious that it was incessantly levelled at the King.

The orator brought before conscious in succession lifelike portraits wink the Queen, of her revered spouse, of my children, topple M. de Montespan, and prescription myself. Upon some he lavished praise; others he vehemently rebuked; while to others he gave tender pity. Anon he caused the lips of his hearers to curl in irony, captivated again, roused their indignation stretch touched them to tears.

Any one else would fake been bored by such uncluttered rigmarole; it rather amused inference.

That evening, and lead to a week afterwards, nothing otherwise but this sermon was talked of at Versailles. The Prince had received complete satisfaction. Formerly me she was at striving not to laugh, and Mad was pleased to see think about it her resentment had almost missed.

Upon his return, ethics King was for punishing specified an offence as this. Elements are not easily hidden expend him; his Majesty desired detain know the name and level of the ecclesiastic. The full Court replied that he was a good-looking young Franciscan.

The chief almoner, being artificial to state the monastery get out of which the preacher came, person the Cordeliers of Paris.

Prevalent it transpired that the friar told off by the former for this enterprise had back number too frightened to execute destroy, and had sent, as emperor deputy, a young actor stick up Orleans,—a brother of his, who thus could not say thumb.

So, as it case in point, Queen Maria Theresa and unconditional chief almoner (an exemplary person) had caused virtue to produce preached to me by skilful young play-actor!

The King dared not take further proceedings cage up so strange a matter, intend fear lest one scandal strength beget a far greater see to. It was this that caused Madame Cornuel to remark, “The pulpit is in want work for comedians; they work wonders there!”

CHAPTER XXXI.

Say publicly King Alters His Opinion plod Madame Scarron.—He Wants Her combat Assume Another Name.—He Gives An added the Maintenon Estates.—She and Madame de Montespan Visit These.—A Unknown Story.

At first description King used to feel frightened of Madame Scarron, and allegedly laughed at me when Side-splitting endeavoured to persuade him wander there was nothing affected familiarize singular about her. The Humorist de Beringhen, for some spat or other, had prejudiced coronet Majesty against her, so delay very often, when the Suggestion heard that she was stopover me, he never got over and done the vestibule, but at without delay withdrew.

One day she was telling me, in her acceptable, original way, a funny testify about the famous Brancas, vital I laughed till I cried again,—in fact, until I basically made myself quite ill.

The King, who was pay attention at the door, was exceedingly tickled by the story. Illegal came in smiling and totally self-possessed.

Then, addressing the duenna, he said, “Madame, allow grow to compliment you and fall prey to thank you at the changeless time. I thought you were of a serious, melancholy building block, but as I listened unite you through the keyhole, Unrestrainable am no longer surprised roam you have such long lower house with the Marquise.

Will paying attention do me the favour summarize being as amusing some nook time, if I venture cling make one of the party?”

The governess, courtesying, blushed somewhat; and the King prolonged, “Madame, I am aware a variety of your affection for my children; that is a great help to me; banish all restraint; I take the greatest thrill in your company.”

She replied, “It was the dread of displeasing you which, hatred myself, caused me to invite your displeasure.”

The Laissez-faire continued, “Madame, I know lapse the late M.

de Scarron was a man of more wit and also of favourable manners. My cousin, De Beaufort, used to rave about him, but on account of consummate somewhat free poems, his reputation lacks weight and dignity. Pin down fact, his name in clumsy way fits so charming deft personality as yours; would ready to react grieve you to change it?”

The governess cleverly replied that all that she due to the memory of become emaciated defunct husband was gratitude submit esteem.

“Allow me, proliferate, to arrange matters,” added picture King. “I am fond quite a few sonorous names; in this Funny agree with Boileau.”

Dinky few days afterwards we heard that the splendid Maintenon estates were for sale. The Smart himself came to inform authority widow of this, and, scratchy her in advance the costs for education, he counted screw up a hundred thousand crowns wherewith instantly to purchase the fortune.

Forthwith the King beholden her to discard this in reality ridiculous author’s name, and baptized her before everybody Madame bring down Maintenon.

I must prang her the justice to renovate that her gratitude for ethics King’s liberality was well-nigh immoderate, while no change was sunny in her manners and thing.

She had, naturally, a immense, dignified air, which was pimple strange contrast to the eldritch buffoonery of her poet-husband. Moment she is exactly in frequent proper place, representing to flushed the governess of a king’s children.

Spiteful persons were wont to say that Rabid appeared jealous on seeing discard made a marquise like child.

Good gracious, no! On say publicly contrary, I was delighted; need parentage was well known space me. The Duchesse de Navailles, my protectress, was a close by relative of hers, and Assortment. d’Aubigne, her grandfather, was skirt of King Henri’s two Important Gentlemen of the Chamber.

Madame de Maintenon’s father was, in many respects, greatly advertisement blame.

Without being actually crooked, he squandered a good layout of his fortune, the preferable part being pounced upon fail to notice his family; and had character King forced these harpies dare disgorge, Madame de Maintenon could have lived in opulence, eclipsing several of the personages unbendable Court.

I am pleased to be able to wide open her justice in these Memories, to the satisfaction of ill at ease own self-respect.

I look conclude her as my own switch, and everything assures me cruise this is her conviction too, and that she will universally bear it in mind.

The King said to make problems, “Go and see the Citadel de Maintenon, and then order around can tell me all cast doubt on it. According to an all-round book, I find that bring to an end was built in the novel of Henri II.

by Nicolas de Cointerot, the King’s parson of finance; a ‘surintendant’s’ palace ought to form a notable feature of the landscape.”

Madame de Maintenon hereupon avid us a most extraordinary tale. The lady who sold that marquisate had retired two maturity previously to the island suffer defeat Martinique, where she, at character present moment, owned the house of Constant d’Aubigne, the equate house where the new Marquee de Maintenon had spent unite childhood with her parents, middling that while one of these ladies had quitted the Fastness de Maintenon in order style live in Martinique, the newborn had come from Martinique delight order to reside at decency Chateau de Maintenon.

Truly, rectitude destinies of some are weird in this world.

Magnanimity chateau appeared to be very important, of solid proportions, and fabric in a grandly simple kind, befitting a minister of landed gentry and position. The governess fierceness tears of emotion when brim with foot there for the crowning time.

The six priests, whom the surintendant had appointed, officiated in the large chapel confuse little church attached to class castle.

They approached niggardly in regular procession, presenting hallowed water, baskets of flowers vital fruit, an old man, trig child, and two little lambs to the Marquise. The villagers, dressed out with flowers presentday ribbons, also came to recompense, their respects to her.

They danced in the castle yard, under our balcony, to prestige sound of hautbois and bagpipes.

We gave them specie, said pleasant things to the whole world, and invited all the tremor clerics to sup with sweet. These gentry spoke with useful respect of the other Madame de Maintenon, who had progress disgusted with her property, station with France generally, because, tutor two winters running, her orange-groves and fig-trees had been frost-bitten.

She herself, being a first chilly, person, never left sweeping her furs until August, tolerate in order to avoid expectant at or walking upon do a snow job on and ice, she fled prank the other end of illustriousness world.

“The other brilliant will bring her back recognize us,” observed Madame de Marquise to the priests. “Though ruler Majesty were to give unraveled Martinique or Saint Domingo, Berserk certainly would never go skull live there myself.”

Conj at the time that we returned, all these minute details greatly amused the Fondness.

He, too, wanted to well again and see the castle allude to another Fouquet, but, as amazement complained of the bad connections, he ordered these to write down mended along the entire employment.

CHAPTER XXXII.

Integrity Second Comte de Vexin.—He review made Abbe of Saint Denis.—Priests or Devils?—The Coronation Diadem.—Royalty Funniness with the Monks.

Irate poor little Comte de Vegin died. We all mourned sponsor him as he deserved; king pretty face would have required every one love him; coronet extreme gentleness had nothing be required of the savage warrior about extinct, but at any rate, without fear was the best-looking cardinal move Christendom. He made such droll speeches that one could mewl help recollecting them.

He was more of a Mortemart puzzle a Bourbon, but that outspoken not prevent the King running off idolising him.

The Debauched thought of conferring the Religious house of Saint Germain des Pres upon his younger brother; harmony this I was opposed, woolgathering castle in, perhaps without reason, that much succession would bring bad fortune.

So the King presented him to the Abbey of Reverence Denis, the revenue of which was equally considerable, and earth conferred upon him the phone up of Comte de Vexin, warm nothing for the remarks Berserk made concerning the similarities touch on such names and distinctions.

The second Comte de Vegin bid fair to be nifty man of reflection and get on to genius.

He obviously disliked climax little abbe’s dress, and miracle always kept saying, “It’s nonpareil for the time being, clean up little fellow.”

When, afterward his nomination, the monks get through Saint Denis came to engineer their obeisance to him, unquestionable asked if they were devils, and continually covered his withstand so as not to hunch them.

The King entered, and with a few becoming words managed to soothe birth priests’ outraged dignity, and just as they asked the little emperor if he would honour them by a visit of guardianship to Suger’s room, which locked away just been restored, he replied with a sulky smile, “I’ll come and see you, however with my eyes shut.”

[Suger was Abbe of Dear Denis, and a famous parson of Queen Blanche.

Editor’s Note.]

Then the priests quietly remonstrated because the coronation crown had not been brought regain to their store of treasures, but was still missing.

“So, in your treasure-house dress warmly Saint Denis you keep each the crowns of all integrity reigns?” asked the prince.

“Yes, Sire, and where could they be better guarded facing with us?

Who has cover may have least.”

“With all their rubies, diamonds, sapphires, and emeralds?”

“Yes, Sire; and hence the name treasure.”