strongly to them, and you would interest them in
your fortune by favoring these worthy fathers."

"What! monsieur le duc," cried I, "will _messeigneurs_ the clergy of
France, and _mesdames royales_ and their suite be favorable to me, if I
use my influence with the king in espousing the cause of the society of
Jesus?"

"Certainly, madame, and I am authorized to promise you. I give you my
word for this. Endeavor to re-establish the order, and there will not be
one of us but will be zealous in supporting you."

"I certainly am desirous of pleasing your friends; but I can see that,
from the first moment of my appearance at court, I shall be at open war
with the Choiseuls and the parliaments."

"What matters it? I confess that the victory will not be easy at first,
but there is no need to exaggerate the difficulties. It is true that the
king has esteem for the duc de Choiseul, but he has much affection for
you, which avails much more.

"As for the parliaments, he hates them, and for many years has been
desirous of ridding himself of them entirely, and he will effect this by
the help of God and your interference."

"This will be hard work for one so weak as I am."

"Oh, you are sufficiently powerful, I assure you. Only confide in me,
the intermediary between you and my friends, let me guide you, and I
will steer to the right port. What do you think of this, madame?"

"Oh! monsieur le duc, it is not at a moment that we can give a positive
reply to such grave matters. I content myself in assuring you, that I
have for you as much confidence as respect, and should be very happy to
obtain your protection."

"My protection! Oh, heaven, madame, you are jesting. It is I who should
be honored by your friendship."

"It is yours; but as yet I am nothing at court, and can do nothing there
until I have been presented. It is for my speedy presentation that my
friends should labor now."

"We will not fail, madame; and if you will allow me to come from time to
time to converse with you, we can take our measures."

"Your visits will always be agreeable."

Such was the conversation which I had with the duc de la Vauguyon. I
have given it somewhat at length, because it was the preface to a deep
intrigue which made a vast noise. I think I extricated myself very
well from the net in which the duke sought to catch me. I knew that his
situation at Versailles compelled me to act with caution towards him. He
was in good odor with _mes