ed him. His disposition was a jealous one, and as the great
minister knew that Anne of Austria was ever his opponent politically, he
worked upon this feeling, and embittered the lives of both the king and
queen, and the latter was the constant victim of the king's jealousy and
caprices.

These things, combined with the ascetic temperament of the king, had
rendered the court of France a dismal one, and the royal salons formed
a strong contrast to the brilliancy of those of Richelieu. Now the king
was gone, and there was a general feeling of relief among the nobles
and ladies of the court. It might be that stormy times were ahead, and
indeed it was no secret that Conde, Beaufort, and many other nobles were
already united against Mazarin. They called themselves "The Importants,"
a term well suited to their own idea of their power, and of the position
they aspired to as the natural leaders of France.

"Madame de Chevreuse wishes you to be presented to her," Colonel Maclvor
said to Hector. "Everyone knows her reputation; she is the cleverest
woman in France, and one of the most intriguing. She is the queen's
greatest friend, and has been her mainstay in her struggle with
Richelieu. Of one thing we may be sure, that she will not tamely see
Mazarin step into his place, and she has, it is whispered, already
thrown herself into the arms of 'The Importants,' and if anyone can
persuade the queen to throw over the cardinal it is she."

With a slight shrug of his shoulders Hector followed the colonel to a
group of three or four ladies seated upon some fauteuils.

The colonel stopped before one of these, and bowing deeply said,
"Duchess, I have the honour to present to you my compatriot, Colonel
Campbell, who arrived here this morning with despatches from the Duc
d'Enghien."

Madame Chevreuse, like the queen, was still a beautiful woman. She was
petite, and possessed a face whose fascination few could withstand.
She was the most restless of intriguers, and was never so happy as when
engaged in conspiracies which might cost her her estates and liberty.

"Why, Monsieur Campbell," she said with a smile, "I had looked to see
a fierce warrior, and, lo and behold I find one who, by his appearance,
will be far more in his element at court than in the field."

"Then appearances must greatly belie me, madame," Hector said; "for
while I may say that I am at home in a military camp, I feel sorely ill
at ease here, and I feel I would rath