Malicorne hastened to hold the stirrup for him but the king was already in the saddle.

Restored to good humor by this lucky accident, the king hastened toward the queen's carriage, where he was anxiously expected: and notwithstanding Maria-Theresa's thoughtful and preoccupied air, he said: "I have been fortunate enough to find this horse, and I intend to avail myself of it.

I felt stifled in the carriage.

Adieu, ladies." Then, bending most gracefully over the arched neck of his beautiful steed, he disappeared in a second.

Anne of Austria leaned forward, in order to look after him as he rode away: he did not go very far, for when he reached the sixth carriage, he reined in his horse suddenly and took off his hat.