gained distinction. Well, I am very glad to have had a quiet talk
with you; it takes one out of one's worries and anxieties. By
the way, I had a letter from Mazarin; it reached me while I was
at Spires. He said he was sorry to hear that you had been taken
prisoner, and requested me to make an exchange for you as soon as
possible, even if I had to give a general officer for you, for he
was very deeply your debtor, and had the highest esteem for you.
What have you been doing to make him your debtor? You never mentioned
anything of the sort to me."

"The matter was to some degree a state one, marshal, or I should
have told you of it; but as it took place nearly a year ago, and
the circumstances are altogether changed, I can mention them to
you in confidence -- for even now, were it known, it might make
me some powerful enemies." He then related how it was that he had
thwarted the attempt on Mazarin's life.

"That was a piece of singular good fortune," Turenne said. "Mazarin
is a staunch friend and a bitter enemy. I owe him no goodwill,
for he has behaved shamefully to de Bouillon, refusing to hand to
him the estates for which he exchanged his principality of Sedan;
but I do not permit myself to allow family interests to weigh with
me against my duties to France. Truly, as you say, it were well to
hide your share in a business that sent De Beaufort and a score
of others to prison, and a dozen members of powerful families into
exile; it might well cause you serious trouble were it known. You
did well to keep the matter to yourself, and you did specially
well to refuse to accept any personal honour, for had you done so
Mazarin's enemies would at once have connected that fact with the
discovery of the plot."