The Comte de Toulouse and Mademoiselle de Blois were not entrusted to her at their birth as the others were.  The King thought that the additional responsibility of their education would prove too great for the Marquise.  He preferred to enjoy her society and conversation, so my two youngest children were placed in the care of Madame d’Arbon, a friend or stewardess of M. de Colbert.  Not a great compliment, as I take it.

When, for the second time, Madame de Maintenon took the Duc du Maine to Barege, she returned by way of the Landes, Guienne, and Poitou.  She wished to revisit her native place, and show her pupil to all her relations.  Perceiving that she was a marquise, the instructress of princes, and a personage in high favour, they were lavish of their compliments and their praise, yet forebore to give her back her property.

Knowing that she was a trifle vain about her noble birth, they made over to her the great family pedigree, as well as a most precious manuscript.  These papers, found to be quite correct, included a most spirited history of the War of the League, written by Baron Agrippa d’Aubigne, who might rank as an authority upon the subject, having fought against the Leaguers for over fifteen years.  Among these documents the King found certain details that hitherto had been forgotten, or had never yet come to light.  And as the Baron was Henri IV.’s favourite aide-decamp, every reference that he makes to that good king is of importance and interest.

This manuscript, in the simplest manner possible, set forth the governess’s ancestors.  I am sure she was more concerned about this document than about her property.

CHAPTER LII.

The Young Flemish Lady.—­The Sainte-Aldegonde Family.—­The Sage of the Sepulchres.

Just at the time of the conquest of Tournai, a most amusing thing occurred, which deserves to be chronicled.  Another episode may be recorded also, of a gloomier nature.

Directly Tournai had surrendered, and the new outposts were occupied, the King wished to make his entry into this important town, which he had long desired to see.  The people and the burghers, although mute and silent, willingly watched the French army and its King march past, but the aristocracy scarcely showed themselves at any of the windows, and the few folk who appeared here and there on the balconies abstained from applauding the King.

Splendidly apparelled, and riding the loveliest of milk-white steeds, his Majesty proceeded upon his triumphant way, surrounded by the flower of French nobility, and scattering money as he went.

Before the Town Hall the procession stopped, when the magistrates delivered an address, and gave up to his Majesty the keys of the city in a large enamelled bowl.

When the King, looking calmly contented, was about to reply, he observed a woman who had pushed her way through the French guardsmen, and staring hard at him, appeared anxious to get close up to him.  In fact, she advanced a step or two, and the epithet that crossed her lips struck the conqueror as being coarsely offensive.