I regret that I have not longer time to devote to this very interesting conversation." "But, sire--" "When my mind is in doubt, abbe, I value your advice very highly.
On this occasion my mind is happily _not_ in doubt.

I have the honour to wish you a very good-day." The king's first hot anger had died away by now, and had left behind it a cold, bitter spirit which was even more formidable to his antagonists.
The abbe, glib of tongue and fertile of resource as he was, felt himself to be silenced and overmatched.

He walked backwards, with three long bows, as was the custom of the court, and departed.
But the king had little breathing space.

His assailants knew that with persistence they had bent his will before, and they trusted that they might do so again.

It was Louvois, the minister, now who entered the room, with his majestic port, his lofty bearing, his huge wig, and his aristocratic face, which, however, showed some signs of trepidation as it met the baleful eye of the king.
"Well, Louvois, what now ?" he asked impatiently.