Then, almost immediately afterwards, having recognized the Chevalier de Lorraine, he made a few civil remarks, to which the chevalier was obliged to reply.

Brief as the conversation was, De Lorraine saw, with the most unfeigned displeasure, the figure of his unknown becoming dimmer in the distance, and fast disappearing in the darkness.

The chevalier resigned himself, and, once resigned, gave his entire attention to Fouquet:--"You arrive late, monsieur," he said.

"Your absence has occasioned great surprise, and I heard Monsieur express himself as much astonished that, having been invited by the king, you had not come." "It was impossible for me to do so; but I came as soon as I was free." "Is Paris quiet ?" "Perfectly so.

Paris has received the last tax very well." "Ah! I understand you wished to assure yourself of this good feeling before you came to participate in our _fetes_." "I have arrived, however, somewhat late to enjoy them.