ave lost a
moment in ordering him to march into Flanders, thinking only of the good
of France, and disregarding the fact that continued successes might lead
to his own power being shaken."

"And you do not think that Mazarin will act in the same way?"

"I think not. Of course at present not much is known about him. He
affects the greatest humility, is almost obsequious to the great nobles,
and even professes to be anxious to return to Italy as soon as his
services here can be dispensed with. But I expect that he will in time
occupy as great a position as that of Richelieu, but that he will hold
it by craft rather than strength is, from the look of the man, likely
enough. For myself I should say that it is infinitely better for France
that an ecclesiastic like Richelieu or Mazarin should be at the head of
affairs, than that the great nobles should all struggle and intrigue for
power, ready as they have shown themselves over and over again to plunge
France into civil war for the attainment of their aims. Ah, here comes
the queen!"

The door at the end of the salon opened and Anne entered. By her side
walked the young king, a little behind were Orleans and Conde, Beaufort
and Bouillon, while, following them, with an air that was almost humble,
came Mazarin. The queen and the young king were dressed in violet, the
mourning colour of the court, and the ladies present all wore shades of
that colour relieved by white. All present formed themselves into
two lines, through which the queen walked. She acknowledged the deep
reverences, and the little king bowed repeatedly. Anne of Austria was
one of the most beautiful women of her time, and although the charm of
youth had disappeared, her stateliness of bearing made up for this loss,
and Hector thought that he had never seen so lovely a woman.

As soon as they had passed into an inner apartment known as the audience
chamber the lines broke up, and a buzz of conversation and light
laughter followed the silence that had reigned as the procession passed.
The court, indeed, felt a general feeling of relief at the death of
Louis. Although well meaning and desirous of doing good, the life of the
monarch had not been a happy one. His health had never been good, and
although he had the wisdom to see that in supporting Richelieu, and in
every way adding to his authority, he was acting for the good of France,
the knowledge that he himself was little more than a cipher galled
and irritat