wakefulness to be the humble servant of his labor. He had
consequently ordered Bernouin, his valet de chambre, to
bring him a little traveling-desk, so that he might write in
bed. But the gout is not an adversary that allows itself to
be conquered so easily; therefore, at each movement he made,
the pain from dull became sharp.

"Is Brienne there?" asked he of Bernouin.

"No, monseigneur," replied the valet de chambre; "M. de
Brienne, with your permission, is gone to bed. But, if it is
the wish of your eminence, he can speedily be called."

"No, it is not worth while. Let us see, however. Cursed
ciphers!"

And the cardinal began to think, counting on his fingers the
while.

"Oh, ciphers is it?" said Bernouin. "Very well! if your
eminence attempts calculations, I will promise you a pretty
headache to-morrow! And with that please to remember M.
Guenaud is not here."

"You are right, Bernouin. You must take Brienne's place, my
friend. Indeed, I ought to have brought M. Colbert with me.
That young man goes on very well, Bernouin, very well; a
very orderly youth."

"I do not know," said the valet de chambre, "but I don't