He is held accountable, however, for all the misfortunes that have happened to us; it was spread about at Paris that he was disgraced and even exiled to his estate at Vernon, near Gisors.

It is true, nevertheless, that he has several times done business with the king, whether in M.Amelot's presence, on foreign affairs, or M.d'Aguesseau's, on military; but this restless and ambitious spirit is feared by the ministers." Almost at the very moment when the Austrians were occupying Prague and Bohemia, Cardinal Fleury was expiring, at Versailles, at the age of ninety.

Madame Marshal Noailles, mother of the present marshal, who is at least eighty-seven, but is all alive, runs about Paris and writes all day, sent to inquire after him.

He sent answer to her, "that she was cleverer than he--she managed to live; as for him, he was ceasing to exist.

In fact, it is the case of a candle going out, and being a long while about it.