“When shall I have the answer, monseigneur?”
“To-morrow.”
“To-morrow morning?”
“Yes, monsieur.”
The clerk turned upon his heel, after making his very best bow. The next day he was at his post at seven o’clock. Mazarin made him wait till ten. He remained patiently in the ante-chamber; his turn having come, he entered; Mazarin gave him a sealed packet. On the envelope of this packet were these words:—Monsieur Michel Letellier, etc. Colbert looked at the packet with much attention; the cardinal put on a pleasant countenance and pushed him towards the door.
“And the letter of the queen-mother, my lord?” asked Colbert.
“It is in with the rest, in the packet,” said Mazarin.
“Oh! very well,” replied Colbert; and placing his hat between his knees, he began to unseal the packet.
Mazarin uttered a cry. “What are you doing?” said he, angrily.
“I am unsealing the packet, my lord.”