Mazarin, notwithstanding the prophecy of Guenaud, still lured himself with a hope, or rather played his part so well, that the most cunning, when saying that he lured himself, proved that they were his dupes.
Louis, absent from the cardinal for two days; Louis, with his eyes fixed upon that same donation which so constantly preoccupied the cardinal; Louis did not exactly know how to make out Mazarin's conduct.

The son of Louis XIII., following the paternal traditions, had, up to that time, been so little of a king that, whilst ardently desiring royalty, he desired it with that terror which always accompanies the unknown.

Thus, having formed his resolution, which, besides, he communicated to nobody, he determined to have an interview with Mazarin.

It was Anne of Austria, who, constant in her attendance upon the cardinal, first heard this proposition of the king's, and transmitted it to the dying man, whom it greatly agitated.

For what purpose could Louis wish for an interview?
Was it to return the deed, as Colbert had said he would?
Was it to keep it, after thanking him, as Mazarin thought he would?
Nevertheless, as the dying man felt that the uncertainty increased his torments, he did not hesitate an instant.
"His majesty will be welcome,--yes, very welcome," cried he, making a sign to Colbert, who was seated at the foot of the bed, and which the latter understood perfectly.