"But I have brought you here something which I trust may make them even more so." "Ah! What is that ?" "When so many of our young nobles went into Germany and Hungary, you were pleased in your wisdom to say that you would like well to see what reports they sent home to their friends; also what news was sent out from the court to them." "Yes." "I have them here--all that the courier has brought in, and all that are gathered to go out, each in its own bag.

The wax has been softened in spirit, the fastenings have been steamed, and they are now open." The king took out a handful of the letters and glanced at the addresses.
"I should indeed like to read the hearts of these people," said he.
"Thus only can I tell the true thoughts of those who bow and simper before my face.

I suppose," with a sudden flash of suspicion from his eyes, "that you have not yourself looked into these ?" "Oh, sire, I had rather die!" "You swear it ?" "As I hope for salvation!" "Hum! There is one among these which I see is from your own son." Louvois changed colour, and stammered as he looked at the envelope.
"Your Majesty will find that he is as loyal out of your presence as in it, else he is no son of mine," said he.
"Then we shall begin with his.

Ha! it is but ten lines long.

'Dearest Achille, how I long for you to come back! The court is as dull as a cloister now that you are gone.