Queen and Cardinal; A Memoir of Anne of Austria and of Her Relations with Cardinal Mazarin (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1907 Excerpt: ...deep concern, though of a different nature. What would happen should young Louis die, and the Queen-Regent become seriously ill? It was thanks to himself that she had greatly lost her hold on the affections of her people; and as in the event of the King's death it would be necessary for her to be re-elected Regent, the Duc d'Orleans might take advantage of such a crisis to elevate himself to power. 126 LOUIS' RECOVERY chap, Xiv The subtle Italian was, however, always prepared for emergencies, he worked quietly to gain those about the person of the duke, so that, by promises of advancement, he might bind them to his services. But his precautions were not needed; by Christmas the King was pronounced to be well, and his little brother was brought back. When the child saw his former playmate he did not recognise him, for Louis' face was still red and swollen. But so prevalent was the disease, and so many people were marred by it, that it was not considered such a blemish as at the present time. Deep pock-marks after the inflammation had subsided were a very ordinary spectacle, and not much attention was paid to the disfigurement CHAPTER XV Mazarin's Palace WHILE the court was still in residence at the Louvre, the Cardinal, by way of giving himself more independence, purchased the Hdtel Tuboeuf, which was situated at the bottom of the garden of the Palais Royal. At first he had been satisfied to live in the Hdtel St. Pol, then he accepted an apartment in the Louvre, but now he required something more. Two centuries ago this quarter of Paris was not, as now, a mass of bricks and mortar, with houses six stories high, and rows of shops beneath. Then it was a most lovely and charming suburb, with extended views over the surrounding country. He had long had his eye o...