"Dead!" cried he.
"Alas! yes." "Is it quite certain ?" "Yes." "Official ?" "Yes." "Has the news been made public ?" "Not yet." "Who told you, then, that the cardinal was dead ?" "M.

Colbert." "M.

Colbert ?" "Yes." "And he was sure of what he said ?" "He came out of the chamber, and had held a glass for some minutes before the cardinal's lips." "Ah!" said the king.

"And what is become of M.Colbert ?" "He has just left his eminence's chamber." "Where is he ?" "He followed me." "So that he is--" "Sire, waiting at your door, till it shall be your good pleasure to receive him." Louis ran to the door, opened it himself, and perceived Colbert standing waiting in the passage.

The king started at sight of this statue, all clothed in black.