'This evening--never did anything fall out more happily than Rambouillet's meeting with me--he is a good man!--I have brought the king to this: that if proof of the selfish nature of Turenne's designs be laid before him he will hesitate no longer.

That proof exists.

A fortnight ago it was here; but it is not here now.' 'That is unlucky!' I exclaimed.

I was so much interested in his story, as well as flattered by the confidence he was placing in me, that my ill-humour vanished.

I went and stood with my shoulder against the mantelpiece, and he, passing to and fro between me and the light, continued his tale.
'A word about this proof,' he said.