Chapter 33

Chapter XXXIII:
The Mediator.

When the king made his appearance in Madame's apartments, the courtiers,
whom the news of a conjugal misunderstanding had dispersed through the
various apartments, began to entertain the most serious apprehensions. A
storm was brewing in that direction, the elements of which the Chevalier
de Lorraine, in the midst of the different groups, was analyzing with
delight, contributing to the weaker, and acting, according to his own
wicked designs, in such a manner with regard to the stronger, as to
produce the most disastrous consequences possible. As Anne of Austria
had herself said, the presence of the king gave a solemn and serious
character to the event. Indeed, in the year 1662, the dissatisfaction of
Monsieur with Madame, and the king's intervention in the private affairs
of Monsieur, was a matter of no inconsiderable moment.

Transcriber's note: Dumas is mistaken. The events in the following
chapters occurred in 1661. - JB

The boldest, even, who had been the associates of the Comte de Guiche,
had, from the first moment, held aloof from him, with a sort of nervous
apprehension; and the comte himself, infected by the general panic,
retired to his own room. The king entered Madame's private apartments,
acknowledging and returning the salutations, as he was always in the
habit of doing. The ladies of honor were ranged in a line on his passage
along the gallery. Although his majesty was very much preoccupied, he
gave the glance of a master at the two rows of young and beautiful girls,
who modestly cast down their eyes, blushing as they felt the king's gaze
fall upon them. One only of the number, whose long hair fell in silken
masses upon the most beautiful skin imaginable, was pale, and could
hardly sustain herself, notwithstanding the knocks which her companion
gave her with her elbow. It was La Valliere whom Montalais supported in
that manner by whispering some of that courage to her with which she
herself was so abundantly provided. The king could not resist turning
round to look at them again. Their faces, which had already been raised,
were again lowered, but the only fair head among them remained
motionless, as if all the strength and intelligence she had left had
abandoned her. When he entered Madame's room, Louis found his sister-in-
law reclining upon the cushions of her cabinet. She rose and made a
profound reverence, murmuring some words of thanks for the honor she was
receiving. She then resumed her seat, overcome by a sudden weakness,
which was no doubt assumed, for a delightful color animated her cheeks,
and her eyes, still red from the tears she had recently shed, never had
more fire in them. When the king was seated, as soon as he had remarked,
with