Another reason urged him to this--Anne of Austria was about to appear; the guilty mother was about to stand in the presence of her sacrificed son.

Philippe was not willing, if he had a weakness, to render the man a witness of it before whom he was bound thenceforth to display so much strength.

Philippe opened his folding doors, and several persons entered silently.

Philippe did not stir whilst his _valets de chambre_ dressed him.

He had watched, the evening before, all the habits of his brother, and played the king in such a manner as to awaken no suspicion.