At the sound of the king's footsteps, which could be heard upon the carpet, the duke hurriedly made his escape.

Anne of Austria could not resist laughing, and was laughing still when the king entered.

He came very affectionately to inquire after the even now uncertain health of the queen-mother, and to announce to her that the preparations for the journey to Fontainebleau were complete.

Seeing her laugh, his uneasiness on her account diminished, and he addressed her in a vivacious tone himself.

Anne of Austria took him by the hand, and, in a voice full of playfulness, said, "Do you know, sire that I am proud of being a Spanish woman ?" "Why, madame ?" "Because Spanish women are worth more than English women at least." "Explain yourself." "Since your marriage you have not, I believe, had a single reproach to make against the queen." "Certainly not." "And you, too, have been married some time.