“Even had Richelieu lived he might not have been able to avert such disasters.  He and the queen have never been friends, and he would not have had the support from her that he has had from the king, who, although he no doubt fretted at times under Richelieu’s dictation, yet recognized his splendid genius, and knew that he worked heart and soul for the good of France.  However, his death is a sore misfortune.  A regency needs a strong head, but where is it to come from?  The Duke of Orleans is a schemer without principle, weak, easily led, ambitious, and unscrupulous.  The Prince of Conde is equally ambitious, even more grasping, and much more talented.  There is no one else, save men like Chavigny, the father of our friend here, de Noyers, and some others of good family, honest and capable business men, but who would speedily become mere ciphers; and Cardinal Mazarin, who has just been appointed to the council.”

“Do you know him, sir?” Hector asked.

“I have seen him more than once.  He is said to be very clever, and it is no secret that he is nominated to the council on Richelieu’s recommendation, which speaks volumes in his favour, for Richelieu was a judge of men, and must have believed, when recommending him, that Mazarin would render good service to France.  But however clever he is he cannot replace the great cardinal.  On him was stamped by nature the making of a ruler of men.  He was tall, handsome, and an accomplished cavalier.  Seeing him dressed as a noble among noblemen, one would have picked him out as born to be the greatest of them.  No doubt this noble appearance, aided by his haughty manner and by his ruthlessness in punishing those who conspired against him, had not a little to do with his mastery over men.

“Mazarin is a man of very different appearance.  He is dark in complexion, handsome in a way, supple, and, I should say, crafty; an Italian rather than a Frenchman.  Such a man will meet with difficulties far greater than those which assailed Richelieu.  The latter, personally fearless, went straight to his end, crushing his enemies if they stood in his way, possessed of an indomitable will and unflinching determination.  Mazarin, if I mistake not, will try to gain his end by other means —­ by intrigues, by setting those who oppose him against each other, by yielding rather than by striking.  He is said to stand high in the queen’s favour, and this will be a great aid to him; for those who might rebel against the authority of a cardinal will hesitate to do so when he has at his back the protection and authority of a queen.  However, we must hope for the best.  It is probable that Richelieu acquainted him with all his plans and projects, and urged him to carry them into effect.  I sincerely trust that he will do so; and in that case, if he comes to the head of affairs, I should assuredly serve him as willingly and faithfully as I served Richelieu, knowing that it will be for the good of France.”