Marguerite of Savoy.--Sudden change of prospects.--An heir to the Spanish throne.--Rejection of Marguerite.--Mazarin communicates with the Duchess of Savoy.--Private interview of Mazarin and the Duchess of Savoy.--Conduct of the king.--Movements of Mazarin.--Power of the cardinal.--Mary exiled from the court.--Mary's parting with the king.--The Isle of Pheasants.--Interview of Louis with Mary.--Negotiations with Spain.--Marriage preparations according to Spanish etiquette.--Appearance of the Infanta.--Interview of Anne of Austria and her brother.--Meeting of Louis XIV. and his bride.--Tedious ceremonies.--Gorgeous entrance into the capital.--Cruelty of the queen-mother.--The Prince Colonna.--Mary is presented to the young Queen of France.--Misery of Mary Mancini.--Mary concludes to accept the hand of Prince Colonna.--Marriage of Mary Mancini.--Character of Louis XIV. and Maria Theresa.--Magnificent ceremonies.--Festivities continued.--Revolting state of society.--Mazarin guilty of great extortion.--Fatal accident.--Sufferings of the cardinal.--Oppressive measures of the cardinal.--Confession of Mazarin.--Advice of M. Colbert.--Suspense of the cardinal.--His property restored.--Death of Mazarin.--His immense wealth.--Legacies of Mazarin.--Views of Louis XIV. The Princess Marguerite of Savoy was very beautiful. She was a brunette, with large, lustrous eyes, fairy-like proportions, queenly bearing, and so graceful in every movement that she scarcely seemed to touch the ground as she walked. Her reception by the king, the queen, and the whole court was every thing that could be desired. The duchess and her daughter that night placed their heads upon their pillows with the undoubting conviction that Marguerite was to be the Queen of France. The king ordered his suite to be ready, in their gala dresses, to attend him on the morrow to the apartments of the princess. The morning came. To the surprise and bewilderment of the court, every thing was changed. The king was thoughtful, distant, reserved. With great formality of etiquette, he called upon the princess. His countenance and manner indicated an entire change of feeling. With the coldest phrases of court etiquette he addressed her. He was civil, and civil only. The warmth of the lover had disappeared entirely. The Duchess of Savoy was astounded. Even the French court seemed stupefied by so unexpected and decisive an alteration in the aspect of affairs.