nothing from the prince de Soubise: he will speak, no doubt; but
how? In a jesting, laughing way. If, however, you think he can at all
serve you, give him all your confidence."

"No, no, never," I replied with quickness; "it is not a thing to be done
lightly; we do not select a confidant, counsellor, or friend, at random.
Do you not know this, M. le duc? It is requisite that the heart of
the one who speaks should repose itself on the heart of the friend who
listens. I repeat to you that I have no feeling of confidence towards
M. de Soubise. In fact," I added with visible and troubled emotion, "my
choice is made, and you have too much heroism to wish to combat it."

At these flattering words the duke precipitated himself at my feet, and
swore to support my cause with all his power and interest. I replied
that I fully relied on his devotion and prudence. Comte Jean entered,
and it was agreed between us three that I should say no more to the king
of my presentation before the duc d'Aiguillon had spoken to him of it;
that I should content myself with complaining without peevishness, and
that we should leave the opening measure to the prince de Soubise, and
let him break the ice to his majesty.

The prince de Soubise behaved exactly as the duke had told me: he came
to me the next morning with a mysterious air, which already informed
me of all he had to say. He said that he had vainly tormented the king;
that his majesty wished things to remain just as they were, and desired
that until a new order of things nothing should be altered.

"I am sorry for it, monsieur le marechal," I replied. "Whilst I am in
this precarious situation, whilst I remain in a corner of the stage as a
confidante of tragedy, I can do nothing for my friends, particularly for
you, monsieur le marechal."

"On the contrary, madame," he replied, "the king will be more disposed
to listen to you whilst he will suppose that your influence is unknown."

"Oh," cried I with a feeling of anger, "you gentlemen courtiers think
of nothing but politics. As for me, who am a woman, I have other matters
for consideration: I must have honors, title, rank. My self-love suffers
cruelly when I see myself immolated by the fear which the ladies de
Grammont and three or four other intriguers of their party are able to
excite."

The prince was somewhat startled at the freedom of language which I
used towards ladies in such credit at court: he begged me to moderate my
feeli