I have seen as much as I can bear." The minister was thrusting them back into the bag when suddenly his eye caught the bold, clear writing of Madame de Maintenon upon one of the letters.

Some demon whispered to him that here was a weapon which had been placed in his hands, with which he might strike one whose very name filled him with jealousy and hatred.

Had she been guilty of some indiscretion in this note, then he might even now, at this last hour, turn the king's heart against her.

He was an astute man, and in an instant he had seen his chance and grasped it.
"Ha!" said he, "it was hardly necessary to open this one." "Which, Louvois?
Whose is it ?" The minister pushed forward the letter, and Louis started as his eyes fell upon it.
"Madame's writing!" he gasped.
"Yes; it is to her nephew in Germany." Louis took it in his hand.

Then, with a sudden motion, he threw it down among the others, and then yet again his hand stole towards it.
His face was gray and haggard, and beads of moisture had broken out upon his brow.