Molière had a very agreeable personality. He was a little above medium height, well-built and of noble presence. His gait was dignified, his nose and mouth were large, and his lips full; his complexion was dark with black, thick eyebrows, and these he could control to giving his face all sorts of comic expressions. His manner was gentle, pleasing and kindly. He loved to speak, and when he read his plays to his company, he liked them to bring their children, so that he might study their ways and actions. Molière, having the good or the ill fortune, as it may be, to become such a distinguished public favourite, had his fair number of enemies among his many friends. His chief detractors were, of course, to be found among the bad authors and the great unacted; also the “unco’ guid” tried to sting him hard, and in a measure succeeded—as when do they not when their poison is dropped upon sensitive natures? But the warmth of the Sun-King’s admiration and patronage greatly shielded him. His Majesty bestowed a canonry on his son. Molière had a physician, Mauvilain. It was rather an unfortunate name, and one day when he was dining with the king, Louis asked him about him. “You have a doctor,” he said; “what does he do for you?” “Sire,” replied Molière, “we gossip together; he prescribes me remedies; I do not take them—and I am cured.” That Ninon was proud of the brilliant man she had so signally helped to befriend as a lad, may well be conceived, and whenever a new piece was produced, she was always there to witness it, in one of the most honoured places reserved for her. CHAPTER IX The Rift in the Lute—In the Vexin—The Miracle of the Gardener’s Cottage—Italian Opera in Paris—Parted Lovers—“Ninum”—Scarron and Françoise d’Aubigné—Treachery—A Journey to Naples—Masaniello—Renewing Acquaintances—Mazarin’s Mandate.