COOLNESS OF THE KIHG. 179

confession had been so tardily made, abused Fagon a little; and
went away led by Madame de Maintenon and the two Princesses.
He was somewhat struck by finding the vehicle of Monseigneur
outside; and made a sign that he would have another coach, for
that one made him suffer, and left the chateau. He was not,
however, so much occupied with his grief that he could not
call Pontchartrain to arrange the hour of the council of the
nest day. I will not comment on this coolness, and shall
merely say it surprised extremely all present; and that if
Pontchartrain had not said the council could be put off, no in-
terruption to business woxild have taken place. The King got
into his coach with difficulty, supported on both sides.
Madame de Maintenon seated herself beside him. A crowd of
officers of Monseigneur lined both sides of the court on their
knees, as he passed out, crying to him with strange howlings
to have compassion on them, for they had lost all, and must die