All women were passionately loved by him, even the queen, his wife.

This mighty monarch was, however, more timid and more reserved than any other person in the kingdom, to such a degree, indeed, that he did not confess his sentiments even to himself.

This timidity of bearing restrained him within the limits of ordinary politeness, and no woman could boast of having any preference shown her beyond that shown to others.

It might be foretold that the day when his real character would be displayed would be the dawn of a new sovereignty; but as yet he had not declared himself.

M.de Guiche took advantage of this, and constituted himself the sovereign prince of the whole laughter-loving court.