We have seen also by what cruel sufferings of body and mind he expiated his fault.

Tortured by remorse, and by disease the effect of remorse, he had quitted the Court; but he had left behind him men whose principles were not less lax than his, and whose hearts were far harder and colder.
Early in 1691, some of these men began to hold secret communication with Saint Germains.

Wicked and base as their conduct was, there was in it nothing surprising.

They did after their kind.

The times were troubled.
A thick cloud was upon the future.