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Updated: June 27, 2025
But as he was a man of order, who utilized even pain, he forced his 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.
So much did this one idea haunt the cardinal even in his sleep, that when at seven in the morning Bernouin came to arouse him, his first words were: "Well, what's the matter? Has Monsieur de Beaufort escaped from Vincennes?" "I do not think so, my lord," said Bernouin; "but you will hear about him, for La Ramee is here and awaits the commands of your eminence."
"His eminence cannot see the letter without the bearer of it," replied the young man; "but to convince you that I am really the bearer of a letter, see, here it is; and kindly add," continued he, "that I am not a simple messenger, but an envoy extraordinary." Bernouin re-entered the cabinet, returning in a few seconds. "Enter, sir," said he.
My lord cardinal, besides, can endow his niece royally, nay, more than royally. There will be money, festivities, and fire-works everybody will be delighted." "Well, for my part," replied the gentleman, shaking his head, "it appears to me that this letter is very light to contain all that." "My friend," replied Bernouin, "I am certain of what I tell you.
"Recently, my lord, Spain, on the occasion of the marriage of his majesty Louis XIV., sent King Charles II. a brevet of the Fleece in blank, Charles II. immediately transmitted it to me, filling up the blank with my name." Mazarin arose, and leaning on the arm of Bernouin, he returned to his ruelle at the moment the name of M. le Prince was being announced.
"Be so good as to mention this name to his eminence and to bring me word whether he will receive me yes or no." Saying which, he resumed the proud and sombre bearing peculiar at that time to Puritans. Bernouin cast an inquisitorial glance at the person of the young man and entered the cabinet of the cardinal, to whom he transmitted the messenger's words.
"Yes, but," said Bernouin, "thirty-nine millions two hundred and sixty thousand livres make a good round sum." "Ah, Bernouin; I wish the king had it." "Your eminence told me that this money was his majesty's." "Doubtless, as clear, as transparent as possible. These thirty-nine millions are bespoken, and much more."
The cardinal gave quite a start in bed. "What do you mean by that?" said he. "I mean," said Colbert, "that besides those forty millions, five hundred and sixty thousand, two hundred livres, nine cents, eight farthings, there are thirteen millions that are not known." "Ouf!" sighed Mazarin, "what a man!" At this moment the head of Bernouin appeared through the embrasure of the door.
He returned to his room, and after depositing the ring in a casket filled with brilliants of every sort, for the cardinal was a connoisseur in precious stones, he called to Bernouin to undress him, regardless of the noises of gun-fire that, though it was now near midnight, continued to resound through Paris.
"Have I at least convinced you, sire?" placing his hand upon that of the young king. "Perfectly." "If there be anything else, ask it, sire; I shall most happy to grant it to you, having refused this." "Anything else, my lord?" "Why yes; am I not devoted body and soul to your majesty? Hola! Bernouin! lights and guards for his majesty! His majesty is returning to his own chamber."
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