Page:Secret History of the French Court under Richelieu and Mazarin.djvu/104

90 wanting eventually for strengthening her power and enabling her to govern alone. These reasons, which were supported somewhat by appearances and urged with all the art of the cardinal, were the more readily accepted by the queen, that he who advanced them was beginning to be not altogether disagreeable to her."

Mazarin, in truth, had had no share in the annoyances which the queen had endured; she had therefore no reason for disliking him except that he had been one of the intimate friends of Richelieu; but he had none of the disagreeable airs of the cardinal, he had taken part in the recall of the exiles, and had shielded the queen's regency from the suspicions of the king. His ability was proved, and Anne with her indolence and inexperience, in the beginning of a reign beset on every side from without and within with the greatest difficulties, had need of some one who would leave to her the honor of supreme authority while he took upon himself the weight of affairs; and she saw no one among her friends whose capacity was sufficiently tried to inspire her with confidence. She appreciated the talents and address of La Rochefoucauld, but she could not think of so young a minister. The two men nearest her, the Duke de Beaufort, youngest son of the Duke de Vendôme, and her grand almoner, Potier, Bishop of Beauvais, were devoted servants for whom she intended to do much at some future day, but whom she dared not yet intrust with the government. To wait a little, therefore, seemed the wisest course to her. Mazarin had more than one secret interview with her. He showed himself zealous to serve her, and not unwilling to sacrifice to her some of the former ministers of Richelieu who had displeased her most, and to act in concert with those of her friends to whom she deemed herself under indispensable obligations. He had the art to put himself on good terms with the Bishop of Beauvais, the spiritual director of the queen. He deceived him, as he deceived the Duke de Beaufort and all the rest, by affecting great disinterestedness, and