Anne colored slightly.

"The prime minister," she said, "is obliged in these
unsettled days to inform the queen of all that is happening
from time to time, without exciting the curiosity or remarks
of the court."

"But Richelieu never came in this manner," said the
pertinacious boy.

"How can you remember what Monsieur de Richelieu did? You
were too young to know about such things."

"I do not remember what he did, but I have inquired and I
have been told all about it."

"And who told you about it?" asked Anne of Austria, with a
movement of impatience.

"I know that I ought never to name the persons who answer my
questions," answered the child, "for if I do I shall learn
nothing further."

At this very moment Mazarin entered. The king rose
immediately, took his book, closed it and went to lay it
down on the table, near which he continued standing, in
order that Mazarin might be obliged to stand also.

Mazarin contemplated these proceedings with a thoughtful