I reproach myself for them, I swear to you, as for a mortal sin, and I now, in my hours of repose, occupy myself only with my 'Methode des Controverses', and my book on the 'Perfection du Chretien.' I remember that I am fifty-six years old, and that I have an incurable malady." "These are calculations which your enemies make as precisely as your Eminence," said the priest, who began to be annoyed with this conversation, and was eager to talk of other matters.
The blood mounted to the Cardinal's face.
"I know it! I know it well!" he said; "I know all their black villainy, and I am prepared for it.

But what news is there ?" "According to our arrangement, my lord, we have removed Mademoiselle d'Hautefort, as we removed Mademoiselle de la Fayette before her.

So far it is well; but her place is not filled, and the King--" "Well!" "The King has ideas which he never had before." "Ha! and which come not from me?
'Tis well, truly," said the minister, with an ironic sneer.
"What, my lord, leave the place of the favorite vacant for six whole days?
It is not prudent; pardon me for saying so." "He has ideas--ideas!" repeated Richelieu, with a kind of terror; "and what are they ?" "He talks of recalling the Queen-mother," said the Capuchin, in a low voice; "of recalling her from Cologne." "Marie de Medicis!" cried the Cardinal, striking the arms of his chair with his hands.

"No, by Heaven, she shall not again set her foot upon the soil of France, whence I drove her, step by step! England has not dared to receive her, exiled by me; Holland fears to be crushed by her; and my kingdom to receive her! No, no, such an idea could not have originated with himself! To recall my enemy! to recall his mother! What perfidy! He would not have dared to think of it." Then, having mused for a moment, he added, fixing a penetrating look still full of burning anger upon Father Joseph: "But in what terms did he express this desire?
Tell me his precise words." "He said publicly; and in the presence of Monsieur: 'I feel that one of the first duties of a Christian is to be a good son, and I will resist no longer the murmurs of my conscience.'" "Christian! conscience! these are not his expressions.

It is Father Caussin--it is his confessor who is betraying me," cried the Cardinal.
"Perfidious Jesuit! I pardoned thee thy intrigue with La Fayette; but I will not pass over thy secret counsels.