But Bossuet and Pere la Chaise were ever at his elbows to whisper encouragement, and, above all, there was Madame de Maintenon to remind him of what was due to his position and to his six-and-forty years.

Now at last he had braced himself for a supreme effort.

There was no safety for him while his old favourite was at court.

He knew himself too well to have any faith in a lasting change so long as she was there ever waiting for his moment of weakness.

She must be persuaded to leave Versailles, if without a scandal it could be done.