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Rh "Well, finding remonstrance vain, and tired with urging that to-day was a very particular fast indeed, the King endeavoured to snatch from Monsieur the atrocious bouillon, with its still more atrocious meat. The Duke of Anjou resisted; but finding his brother strongest, fairly flung plate and all into his face. Our pious Louis laughed at first; but Mademoiselle Mancini making it matter of personal dignity, he grew angry, and said, 'That but for the Queen's presence, he would have turned Monsieur out of the room.' Meat and temper being lost alike, la bonne Maman interfered, but in vain; and the Duke sought his chamber in high dudgeon. Ah, the blessings of Providence will certainly rest upon a monarch so pious."

The rest of the party were too prudent to comment; and Madame de Mercœur asked Christina if Mademoiselle was as beautiful as she was allowed to be.

"Even in exile?" said Evelyn.

"Superb!" replied the Queen, after having given the speaker a look, as much as to say, 'I take your sarcasm;' "tall—fair,—a fitting Bellona for the Prince of Condé. The comedy of the League ought to have ended in their marriage. Vraiment, Mademoiselle has exerted herself for an establishment. She was devout for the Emperor.