"I have heard a vague report of the kind," replied Cinq Mars, watching his master's countenance, "but as yet nothing certain. May I crave what information your Majesty possesses?" "Why, he is sick, very sick," replied Louis, "and perchance may die. May his soul find mercy! Perchance he may die, and then--" And the King fell into deep thought. It is possible that at that moment his mind was engaged in calculating all that such an event as the death of Richelieu would produce; for, gradually, as if he dreamed of ruling for himself, and as hope spread out before him many a future year of power and greatness, his air became more dignified, his eye flashed with its long repressed fire, and his step acquired a new degree of firmness and majesty. Fontrailles watched the alteration of the King's countenance, and, skilful at reading the mind's workings by the face, he added, as if finishing the sentence which Louis had left unconcluded,--but taking care to blend what he said with an air of raillery towards the Master of the Horse, lest he should offend the irritable Monarch--"And then," said he, "Cinq Mars shall be a Duke. Is it not so, Sire?" Louis started. His thoughts had been engaged in far greater schemes; and yet rewarding his friends and favourites, always formed a great part of the pleasure he anticipated in power, and he replied, without anger, "Most likely it will be so--Indeed," he added, "had my wishes, as a man, been followed,"--and he turned kindly towards the Master of the Horse,--"it should have been so long ago, Cinq Mars. But Kings, you know, are obliged to yield their private inclinations to what the State requires." Fontrailles glanced his eye towards the Grand Ecuyer, as if desiring him to remark the King's words. Cinq Mars bent his head, in token that he comprehended, and replied to the King: "I understand your Majesty; but, believe me, Sire, no honour or distinction could more bind Cinq Mars to his King, than duty, gratitude, and affection do at this moment." "I believe thee, friend,--I believe thee, from my soul," said Louis. "God forgive us that we should desire the death of any man! and surely do not I that of the Cardinal, for he is a good Minister, and a man of powerful mind. But, withal, we may wish that he was more gentle and forgiving. Nevertheless, he is a great man. See how he thwarts and rules half the Kings in Europe--See how he presses the Emperor, and our good brother-in-law, Philip of Spain; while the great Gustavus, this northern hero, is little better than his general." "He is assuredly a great man, Sire," replied Cinq Mars. "But permit me to remark, that a great bad man is worse than one of less talents, for he has the extended capability of doing harm; and perhaps, Sire, if this Minister contented himself with thwarting Kings abroad, he would do better than by opposing the will of his own Sovereign at home."