Restored to good-humor by this lucky accident, the king hastened towards the queen's carriage, where he was anxiously expected; and notwithstanding Maria Theresa's thoughtful and preoccupied air, he said: "I have been fortunate enough to find this horse, and I intend to avail myself of it.

I felt stifled in the carriage.

Adieu, ladies." Then bending gracefully over the arched neck of his beautiful steed, he disappeared in a second.

Anne of Austria leaned forward, in order to look after him as he rode away; he did not get very far, for when he reached the sixth carriage, he reined in his horse suddenly and took off his hat.

He saluted La Valliere, who uttered a cry of surprise as she saw him, blushing at the same time with pleasure.