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 THE MAl^ IN THE IKON MASK. 93

given from the summit of the mansion. In the direction of Melun, in the still empty, open plain, the sentinels of Yaux had perceived the advancing procession of the king and the queens. His majesty was entering into Melun with his long train of carriages and cavaliers.


 * In an hour — '^ said Aramis to Fouquet.


 * In an hour!'' replied the latter, sighing.

these royal fetes r^ continued the bishop of Vannes, laugh- ing, with his false smile.
 * And the people ask one another what is the good of

thing."
 * 'Alas! I, too, who am not the people, ask the same

"I will answer you in twenty-four hours, monseigneur. Assume a cheerful countenance, for it should be a day of true rejoicing."

Well, believe me or not, as you like, D'Herblay," said the surintendant, with a swelling heart, pointing at the cortege of Louis, visible in the horizon, he certainly loves me but very little, nor do I care much for him; but I can- not tell you how it is, that since he is approaching toward my house "

"Well, what?"

"Well, then, since I know he is on his way here, as my guest, he is more sacred than ever forme; he is my acknowl- edged sovereign, and as such is very dear to me."

"Dear? yes," said Aramis, playing upon the word, as the Abbe Tenay did, at a later period, with Louis XV.

"Do not laugh, D'Herblay; I feel that if he were really to wish it, I could love that young man."

"You should not say that to me," returned Aramis, "but rather to Monsieur Colbert."

"To Monsieur Colbert!" exclaimed -Fouquet. "Why so?"

"Because he would allow you a pension out of the king's privy purse, as soon as he becomes surintendant," said Aramis, preparing to leave as soon as he had dealt this last blow.

"Where are you going?" returned Fouquet, with a gloomy look.

"To my own apartment, in order to change my costume, monseigneur."

"Whereabouts are you lodging, D'Herblay?"

"In the blue room, on the second story."

"The room immediately over the king's room?*'

"Precisely."

"You will be subject to very great restraint there. What