Chapter 30

Chapter XXX:
Madame.

From the manner in which the king had dismissed the ambassadors, even the
least clear-sighted persons belonging to the court imagined war would
ensue. The ambassadors themselves, but slightly acquainted with the
king's domestic disturbances, had interpreted as directed against
themselves the celebrated sentence: "If I be not master of myself, I, at
least, will be so of those who insult me." Happily for the destinies of
France and Holland, Colbert had followed them out of the king's presence
for the purpose of explaining matters to them; but the two queens and
Madame, who were perfectly aware of every particular that had taken place
in their several households, having heard the king's remark, so full of
dark meaning, retired to their own apartments in no little fear and
chagrin. Madame, especially, felt that the royal anger might fall upon
her, and, as she was brave and exceedingly proud, instead of seeking
support and encouragement from the queen-mother, she had returned to her
own apartments, if not without some uneasiness, at least without any
intention of avoiding an encounter. Anne of Austria, from time to time
at frequent intervals, sent messages to learn if the king had returned.
The silence which the whole palace preserved upon the matter, and upon
Louise's disappearance, was indicative of a long train of misfortunes to
all those who knew the haughty and irritable humor of the king. But
Madame, unmoved in spite of all the flying rumors, shut herself up in her
apartments, sent for Montalais, and, with a voice as calm as she could
possibly command, desired her to relate all she knew about the event
itself. At the moment that the eloquent Montalais was concluding, with
all kinds of oratorical precautions, and was recommending, if not in
actual language, at least in spirit, that she should show forbearance
towards La Valliere, M. Malicorne made his appearance to beg an audience
of Madame, on behalf of the king. Montalais's worthy friend bore upon
his countenance all the signs of the very liveliest emotion. It was
impossible to be mistaken; the interview which the king requested would
be one of the most interesting chapters in the history of the hearts of
kings and of men. Madame was disturbed by her brother-in-law's arrival;
she did not expect it so soon, nor had she, indeed, expected any direct
step on Louis's part. Besides, all women who wage war successfully by
indirect means, are invariably neither very skillful nor very strong when
it becomes a question of accepting a pitched battle. Madame, however,
was not one who ever drew back; she had the very opposite defect or
qualification, in whichever light it may be considered; she took an
exaggerated view of what constituted real