leaped on the king's neck, giving a cry which might have been
heard by my rivals. After that, I advanced to the two gentlemen who had
advocated my cause so well, extending a hand to each, which they took
and kissed with great gallantry.

Louis XV became thoughtful, and continued to mutter between his teeth,
"I wash my hands of it--they will cry out, they will clamor, but it must
be so." I saw the feelings of the king, and took care not to allow him
to go away in this state. Whilst I sought to compose him by my caresses,
the duc de Richelieu told us one of his thousand and one adventures,
which he told so well. I know not if it will please you, but such as it
is I shall give you an abridgment of it.

"I was, you know," he began, "a very good-looking, a very wild fellow:
women have no objection to this. I was travelling, and in my way thro'
D----, M., the intendant of the city, insisted on my taking up my abode
at his house. His lady added her entreaties, and I consented. I must
tell you that the lady was handsome. I had passed the night with her;
but when, on the next morning, as I sought to go out of her apartment, I
found the outer door double locked and bolted. I looked round me on all
sides, but found no egress. Whilst I was lamenting this with the lady's
_femme-de-chambre_, who was nearly as much distressed as her mistress,
I saw in a detached closet a great many machines covered with paper, and
all of different shapes. On inquiry, I was informed that the following
Monday was the lady's birthday, which they were to celebrate with
fireworks. I looked at the beautiful fusees and brilliant suns with
much admiration. Suddenly, thinking of the lady's honor which might be
compromised, I took a light and set fire to a Roman candle; in a
moment the whole was in flames, and everybody took alarm. Great was the
consternation in the house, which was turned out of windows; and in the
uproar, the house-door being broken open, a crowd of persons rushed in;
I ran this way and that way; everybody admired and praised my exertions.
I was compelled to quit the house at last, and ordered my carriage,
whilst M. the intendant was thanking me for the vast service I had
rendered him. I assure you, sire, that I never laughed more heartily."*

* The duc de Richelieu preserved his coolness and talent at
repartee in the most trivial circumstances. The story is
well known of the man who came to ask for his aid, saying
they