“Remember, this will secure me a future enemy, if he succeed in recovering his crown without my assistance.”
“If your majesty only fears that, you may be quite at ease,” replied Mazarin, eagerly.
“Very well, I say no more about it,” exclaimed Louis XIV.
“Have I at least convinced you, sire?” placing his hand upon that of the young king.
“Perfectly.”
“If there be anything else, ask it, sire; I shall most happy to grant it to you, having refused this.”
“Anything else, my lord?”
“Why yes; am I not devoted body and soul to your majesty? Hola! Bernouin!—lights and guards for his majesty! His majesty is returning to his own chamber.”
“Not yet, monsieur: since you place your good-will at my disposal, I will take advantage of it.”
“For yourself, sire?” asked the cardinal, hoping that his niece was at length about to be named.