"The prince told me," says Mdlle.

de Montpensier, "that, when they were dining together, Cardinal Mazarin was not so much in the humor to laugh as he himself was, and that he was very much embarrassed.

Liberty to be gone had more charms for the prince than the cardinal's company.

He said that he felt marvellous delight at finding himself outside Le Havre, with his sword at his side; and he might well be pleased to wear it; he is a pretty good hand at using it.

As he went out he turned to the cardinal and said, 'Farewell, Cardinal Mazarin,' who kissed 'the tip of sleeve' to him." The cardinal had slowly taken the road to exile, summoning to him his nieces, Mdlles.