Paris: Richard Bentley and Son 1890.] The King looked earnestly and even sadly upon her for a moment ere he replied, and then it was in a tone as grave as that in which she uttered her expostulation.

"You are right," he said, "quite right not to wish to survive me, for the close of my life will be the commencement of your own troubles.

You have occasionally shed tears when I have flogged your son, but one day you will weep still more bitterly either over him or yourself.

My favourites have often excited your displeasure, but you will find yourself some time hence more ill-used by those who obtain an influence over the actions of Louis.

Of one thing I can assure you, and that is, knowing your temper so well as I do, and foreseeing that which his will prove in after years--you, Madame, self-opinionated, not to say headstrong, and he obstinate--you will assuredly break more than one lance together." [311] Poor Marie! She was little aware at that moment how soon so mournful a prophecy was to become a still more mournful reality.
FOOTNOTES: [284] A very low wooden stool upon which accused persons were formerly seated during their trial; an arrangement deemed so great a degradation by persons of condition that many attainted nobles indignantly appealed against it.
[285] L'Etoile, vol.iii.p.