We hope soon to see you back at Versailles, staggering under the weight of your laurels.

Meanwhile accept my love and every wish for your speedy promotion, although it cannot be obtained in the way which you suggest.'" "Ah," cried the king, his love shining in his eyes, "how could I for an instant doubt her! And yet I had been so shaken by the others! Francoise is as true as steel.

Was it not a beautiful letter, Louvois ?" "Madame is a very clever woman," said the minister evasively.
"And such a reader of hearts! Has she not seen my character aright ?" "At least she has not read mine, sire." There was a tap at the door, and Bontems peeped in.

"The archbishop has arrived, sire." "Very well, Bontems.

Ask madame to be so good as to step this way.
And order the witnesses to assemble in the ante-room." As the valet hastened away, Louis turned to his minister: "I wish you to be one of the witnesses, Louvois." "To what, sire ?" "To my marriage." The minister started.