ringly around the scene, produced a terrible
spectacle, which every one would have shuddered at, could they only have
read into his heart, which was torn by the most stormy and most bitter
passions. There was no truce for him now, influenced as he was by
jealousy and mad passion. From the very moment when the dark truth was
revealed to him, every gentler feeling seemed to disappear; pity,
kindness of consideration, the religion of hospitality, all were
forgotten. In the bitter pang which wrung his heart, still too weak to
hide his sufferings, he was almost on the point of uttering a cry of
alarm, and calling his guards to gather round him. This letter which
Colbert had thrown down at the king's feet, the reader has doubtless
guessed, was the same that had disappeared with the porter Toby at
Fontainebleau, after the attempt which Fouquet had made upon La
Valliere's heart. Fouquet saw the king's pallor, and was far from
guessing the evil; Colbert saw the king's anger, and rejoiced inwardly
at the approach of the storm. Fouquet's voice drew the young prince from
his wrathful reverie.

"What is the matter, sire?" inquired the surintendant, with an
expression of graceful interest.

Louis made a violent effort over himself, as he replied, "Nothing."

"I am afraid your majesty is suffering?"

"I am suffering, and have already told you so, monsieur; but it is
nothing."

And the king, without waiting for the termination of the fireworks,
turned toward the chateau. Fouquet accompanied him, and the whole court
followed after them, leaving the remains of the fireworks burning for
their own amusement. The surintendant endeavored again to question
Louis XIV., but could not succeed in obtaining a reply. He imagined
there had been some misunderstanding between Louis and La Valliere in
the park, which had resulted in a slight quarrel; and that the king, who
was not ordinarily sulky by disposition, but completely absorbed by his
passion for La Valliere, had taken a dislike to every one because his
mistress had shown herself offended with him. This idea was sufficient
to console him; he had even a friendly and kindly smile for the young
king, when the latter wished him good-night. This, however, was not all
the king had to submit to; he was obliged to undergo the usual ceremony,
which on that evening was marked by the closest adherence to the
strictest etiquette. The next day was the one fixed for the departure;
it was but proper th