He had, in 1617, married the daughter of the Duke of Montbazon, and, in 1619, prevailed upon the king to have the estate of Maille raised for him to a duchy-peerage under the title of Luynes.

In 1621 he procured for himself the dignity of constable, to which he had no military claim.

Louis XIII.
sometimes took a malicious pleasure in making fun of his favorite's cupidity and that of his following.

"I never saw," said he, "one person with so many relatives; they come to court by ship-loads, and not a single one of them with a silk dress." "See," said he one day to the Count of Bassompierre, pointing to Luynes surrounded by a numerous following: "he wants to play the king, but I shall know how to prevent it; I will make him disgorge what he has taken from me." Friends at court warned Luynes of this language; and Luynes replied with a somewhat disdainful impertinence, "It is good for me to cause the king a little vexation from time to time: it revives the affection he feels for me." Richelieu kept himself well informed of court-rumors, and was cautious not to treat them with indifference.

He took great pains to make himself pleasant to the young constable.