Would that the archbishop might come, that he might feel that she was indeed his, that he held her with hooks of steel which would bind them as long as life should last! There came a tap at the door.

He sprang up eagerly, thinking that the ecclesiastic might have arrived.

It was, however, only his personal attendant, to say that Louvois would crave an interview.

Close at his heels came the minister himself, high-nosed and heavy-chinned.
Two leather bags were dangling from his hand.
"Sire," said he, when Bontems had retired, "I trust that I do not intrude upon you." "No, no, Louvois.

My thoughts were in truth beginning to be very indifferent company, and I am glad to be rid of them." "Your Majesty's thoughts can never, I am sure, be anything but pleasant," said the courtier.