o when I tell you of the conditions
of madame de Bearn?"

"What does the good comtesse ask for?"

"Things past conception."

"What?"

"She has stipulations unlimited."

"But what are they then?"

"A hundred thousand livres for herself."

"What, only that? We will grant so much."

"Then a regiment for her son."

"Oh, he is the wood they make colonels of, and if he behave well--"

"But then! She wishes to be annexed in some station or other to the
household of the future _dauphine_."

"Oh, that is impossible: all the selections have been made: but we will
make an equivalent by placing one of her family about the person of one
of the princes, my grandson. Is this all?"

"Yes, sire, that is all, with one small formality excepted. This lady,
who is one of much punctilio, only considers _written_ engagements as
binding. She wishes for one word in your majesty's hand-writing--"

"A most impertinent woman!" cried the king, walking with rapid strides
up and down my room.-- "She has dared not to believe me on my word!
Writing!--signature! She mistrusts me as she would the lowest scribbler
of France. A writing! My signature! My grandfather, Louis XIV, repented
having given his to Charost. I will not commit a similar error."

"But, sire, when a prince has a real desire to keep his word, it is of
little import whether he gives it in writing."

At these words, Louis XV frowned sternly, but as he had the best sense
in the world, he saw that he was wrong; and having no reply to make, he
determined to flee away. I ran after him, and taking him by the arm, he
said, with assumed anger, which did not deceive me:--

"Leave me, madame, you have offended my honor."

"Well, then, monsieur la France," replied I, assuming also a scolding
tone, "I will give you satisfaction. Choose your time, weapons, and
place; I will meet you, and we shall see whether you have courage
to kill a woman who lives for you only, and whom you render the most
miserable creature in existence."

Louis XV gave me a kiss, and laughingly said, "I ought to make you sleep
in the Bastille to-night."

"I am then more merciful than you, for I think I shall make you sleep in
the couch you love best."

This reply amused the king excessively, and he himself proposed to send
for madame de Bearn. I should speak of my presentation before him, and
then without making any positive concession, he would see what could be
done to satisfy her.

For want of any