A respectful murmur, varied with pleasant laughter and protestations of attachment, was all that was heard in the tent.

The voice of the Cardinal arose from time to time: "The poor Queen! We shall, then, soon again see her! I never had dared to hope for such happiness while I lived!" The King listened to him with full confidence, and made no attempt to conceal his satisfaction.

"It was assuredly an idea sent to him from on high," he said; "this good Cardinal, against whom they had so incensed me, was thinking only of the union of my family.

Since the birth of the Dauphin I have not tasted greater joy than at this moment.

The protection of the Holy Virgin is manifested over our kingdom." At this moment, a captain of the guards came up and whispered in the King's ear.
"A courier from Cologne ?" said the King; "let him wait in my cabinet." Then, unable to restrain his impatience, "I will go! I will go!" he said, and entered alone a small, square tent attached to the larger one.
In it he saw a young courier holding a black portfolio, and the curtains closed upon the King.
The Cardinal, left sole master of the court, concentrated all its homage; but it was observed that he no longer received it with his former presence of mind.