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272 of thought to the designers and ornament-workers of the court. As for the ballet itself, every person knew the part he had to take in it, and how to perform that part. The king had resolved to make it a matter of surprise. Hardly, therefore, had he finished his conference, and entered his own apartment, than he desired his two masters of the ceremonies, Villeroy and St. Aignan, to be sent for. Both replied that they only awaited his orders, and that everything was ready to begin, but that it was necessary to insure fine weather and a favorable night before these orders could be carried out. The king opened his window; the golden hues of evening could be seen in the horizon through the vistas of the wood, and the moon, white as snow, was already visible in the heavens. Not a ripple could be noticed on the surface of the green waters; the swans themselves, even, reposing with folded wings like ships at anchor, seemed penetrated by the warmth of the air, the freshness of the water, and the silence of the beautiful evening. The king, having observed all these things, and contemplated the magnificent picture before him, gave the order which De Villeroy and De St. Aignan awaited; but, with the view of insuring the execution of this order in a royal manner, one last question was necessary, and Louis XIV. put it to the two gentlemen in the following manner:

"Have you any money?"

"Sire," replied St. Aignan, "we have arranged everything with Monsieur Colbert."

"Ah! very well."

"Yes, sire, and Monsieur Colbert said he would wait upon your majesty as soon as your majesty should manifest an intention of carrying out the fêtes, of which he has furnished the programme."

"Let him come in, then," said the king; and as if Colbert had been listening at the door for the purpose of keeping himself au courant of the conversation, he entered as soon as the king had pronounced his name before the two courtiers.

"Ah! Monsieur Colbert," said the king. "Gentlemen, to your posts;" whereupon St. Aignan and Villeroy took their leave. The king seated himself in an easy-chair near the window, saying:

"The ballet will take place this evening. Monsieur Colbert."

"In that case, sire, I settle the accounts to-morrow."

"Why so?"