The departure of these two officers for America filled all France with delight. Lafayette had seen that it would be so; that his going would awaken an enthusiasm in the circles of the court and among the people favorable to America; that it would aid the American envoys in their mission. It was the mountain grenadiers that made the final charges at the siege of Yorktown under the inspiring motto of _Auvergne sans tache_ (Auvergne without a stain). Franklin now dwelt at beautiful Passy on the hill, and his residence there was more like a princely court than the house of an ambassador. He gave his heart and life and influence to seeking an alliance between France and the States. The court was favorable to the alliance, but the times and the constitution of the kingdom made the king slow, cautious, and diplomatic. The American cause wavered. The triumphs of Lord Howe filled England with rejoicing and Passy with alarm. In the midst of the depression at Passy there came a messenger from Massachusetts who brought to Franklin the news of Burgoyne's surrender. When Dr. Franklin was told that this messenger was in the courtyard of Passy, he rushed out to meet him. "Sir, is Philadelphia taken?" "Yes, sir." Franklin clasped his hands. "But, sir, I have other news. Burgoyne and his army are prisoners of war!" Great was the rejoicing at Passy and in Paris. The way to an alliance appeared now to open to the envoys. "O Mr. Austin," Dr. Franklin used to say to the young messenger from Massachusetts, "you brought us glorious news!" The tidings was followed by other news in Passy. December 17, 1777, was a great and joyful day there. A minister came to the envoys there to announce that the French Government was ready to conclude an agreement with the United States, and to make a formal treaty of alliance to help them in the cause of independence. The cause was won, but the treaty was yet delayed. There were articles in it that led to long debates. But in these promising days Franklin was a happy man. He dressed simply, and he lived humbly for an envoy, though his living cost him some thirteen thousand dollars a year. He did not conform to French fashions, nor did the French expect them from a philosopher. He did not even wear a wig, which most men wore upon state occasions. Instead of a wig he wore a fur cap, and one of his portraits so represents him. While the negotiations were going on, a large cake was sent one day to the apartment where the envoys were assembled. It bore the inscription _Le digne Franklin_ (the worthy Franklin). On reading the inscription, Mr. Silas Deane, one of the ambassadors, said, "As usual, Franklin, we have to thank you for our share in gifts like these." "Not at all," said Franklin. "This cake is designed for all three of us. Don't you see?--Le (Lee) Digne (Deane) Franklin." He could afford to be generous and in good humor.