France was at the time at war with Spain. The Fronde co-operated with the Spanish troops in the civil war. Immediately after the coronation, the king, then sixteen years of age, left Rheims to place himself at the head of the army. He repaired to Stenay, on the Meuse, in the extreme northeastern frontier of France. This ancient city, protected by strong fortifications, was held by Conde. The royal troops were besieging it. The poverty of the treasury was such that Mazarin could not furnish Louis even with the luxury of a carriage. He traveled on horseback. He had no table of his own, but shared in that of the Marquis de Fabert, the general in command. It seems difficult to account for the fact that the young king was permitted to enter the trenches, and to engage in skirmishes, where he was so exposed to the fire of the enemy that the wounded and the dead were continually falling around him. He displayed much courage on these occasions. The Prince of Conde left a garrison in one of the strong fortresses, and marched with the main body of his troops to Arras. The movements of the two petty armies, their skirmishes and battles, are no longer of any interest. The battles were fought and the victories gained by the direction of the generals Turenne and Fabert. Though the boy-king displayed intrepidity which secured for him the respect of the soldiers, he could exert but little influence either in council or on the field. Both Stenay and Arras were soon taken. The army of the Prince of Conde was driven from all its positions. The king returned to Paris to enjoy the gratulation of the populace, and to offer public thanksgiving in the cathedral of Notre Dame. CHAPTER III. MATRIMONIAL PROJECTS. 1653-1656 Gayeties in Paris.--Poverty of the court.--Death of the Archbishop of Paris.--Murmurings.--Escape of Cardinal de Retz.--Manoeuvres of Anne of Austria.--Olympia de Mancini.--Henrietta of England.--Embarrassment of Henrietta.--Rudeness of Louis XIV.--Royal quarrel.--Independence of the king.--Order of the king.--Audacity of Louis.--Submission of Parliament.--A tournament.--Christina of Sweden.--Reception of Christina.--Her eccentric character.--Astonishment of Anne of Austria.--Varied information of Christina.--Rudeness of the ex-queen.--She visits Mademoiselle.--Christina returns to Sweden.--Outbreak of Christina.--Letter to Cardinal Mazarin.--Count de Soissons.--Marriage of Olympia Mancini.--Mademoiselle d'Argencourt.--The Pope's choir.--Mary Mancini.--Description of Mary Mancini.--Mary Mancini becomes a member of the court.--Her influence over Louis.--Ambitious views of Mazarin.--Projects for the marriage of Louis XIV.--Diplomatic efforts with Spain.--The Princess of Orange.--Power of Mary Mancini.--The Princess Marguerite.--Anger of the queen regent.--Decision of the cabinet.--New negotiations.--The two courts arrange to meet at Lyons.--Fickleness of Louis.--The royal parties meet.--The Princess Marguerite.--Sorrows of Mary.