d with those of the next. How say you, Louvois?"

"With all respect to the Church, sire, I would say that the devil has
given these men such cunning of hand and of brain that they are the best
workers and traders in your Majesty's kingdom. I know not how the state
coffers are to be filled if such tax-payers go from among us. Already
many have left the country and taken their trades with them. If all
were to go, it would be worse for us than a lost campaign."

"But," remarked Bossuet, "if it were once known that the king's will had
been expressed, your Majesty may rest assured that even the worst of his
subjects bear him such love that they would hasten to come within the
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."

"Oh, you may rest assured that I shall lose no opportunity of pushing on
the good work."

"If you take it in hand, it is done."

"But there is another who has more weight than I."

"The favourite, De Montespan?"

"No, no; her day is gone. It is Madame de Maintenon."

"I hear that she is very devout."

"Very. But she has no love for my Order. She is a Sulpitian. Yet we
may all work to one end. Now if you were to speak to her, your Grace."

"With all my heart."

"Show her how good a service it would