Failing of this, he meant to return to Paris.

But with an eye to the main chance as usual, he ingeniously caused it to be understood at court, without making positive statements to that effect, that his departure was final.

On his leavetaking, accordingly, he received larger presents from the crown than had been often given to a retiring ambassador.

At least 20,000 florins were thus added to the frugal store of profits on which he prided himself.

Had he merely gone away on leave of absence, he would have received no presents whatever.