The messenger found the gorgeous circle of courtiers assembled round their master on the terrace above the orangery.

"Sir," said Lewis, in a tone so easy and cheerful that it filled all the bystanders with amazement, "present my compliments and thanks to the King and Queen of England, and tell them that neither my affairs nor theirs will go on the worse by what has happened." These words were doubtless meant to intimate that the influence of Louvois had not been exerted in favour of the House of Stuart.

[246] One compliment, however, a compliment which cost France dear, Lewis thought it right to pay to the memory of his ablest servant.

The Marquess of Barbesieux, son of Louvois, was placed, in his twenty-fifth year, at the head of the war department.

The young man was by no means deficient in abilities, and had been, during some years, employed in business of grave importance.