pale of Holy Church. As long as the edict stands, it seems to them that
the king is lukewarm, and that they may abide in their error."

The king shook his head. "They have always been stubborn folk," said
he.

"Perhaps," remarked Louvois, glancing maliciously at Bossuet, "were the
bishops of France to make an offering to the state of the treasures of
their sees, we might then do without these Huguenot taxes."

"All that the Church has is at the king's service," answered Bossuet
curtly.

"The kingdom is mine and all that is in it," remarked Louis, as they
entered the _Grand Salon_, in which the court assembled after chapel,
"yet I trust that it may be long before I have to claim the wealth of
the Church."

"We trust so, sire," echoed the ecclesiastics.

"But we may reserve such topics for our council-chamber. Where is
Mansard? I must see his plans for the new wing at Marly." He crossed
to a side table, and was buried in an instant in his favourite pursuit,
inspecting the gigantic plans of the great architect, and inquiring
eagerly as to the progress of the work.

"I think," said Pere la Chaise, drawing Bossuet aside, "that your Grace
has made some impression upon the king's mind."

"With your powerful assistance, father."