power,
far from augmenting the warmth of my feelings towards you, would have
diminished it on account of a certain accessory with which my friendship
could have well dispensed: however, what you say on the subject closes
my lips. I gratefully acknowledge the daily favors bestowed upon me
from the august hand of whom you speak; and I receive with the deepest
respect (mingled with regret) the gracious present he deigns to convey
to me by you. I own that I should have preferred, to the splendid jewel
which bedecked the finger of your deity, a Chinese counterpart, which
might indeed have enabled all admiring gazers to say, 'these two are
truly a pair.' As for yourself, who would fain pass for nobody in the
munificent gift, I thank you at least for the flattering place you
assign me in your recollection. Be assured I feel its full value, and
you may confidently reckon upon the disposal of my poor credit as well
as command the little influence I may be said to possess in the castle.
Adieu, madame, I entreat your acceptance of the expression of my most
sincere and respectful devotion."

The king, having read M. de la Vauguyon's letter, sent immediately to
the china manufactory to purchase the fellow mandarin so much coveted
by the duke, and caused it to be conveyed to him with the following
words:--

"MY DEAR GOVERNOR--You are a kind-hearted creature I know, and a great
promoter of domestic harmony; to fain unite the wife with the husband.
Heaven grant that such a measure may indeed bring about your proposed
felicity! However, by way of furthering your schemes, I send the Chinese
lady, whose beauty I trust will not disturb your repose, for in spite
of your sanctity, I know you can be as gallant as the rest of us, and
possibly this beautiful mandarin may prove to be more lovely in your
eyes, than in those of the husband for whom she is destined; but, in
sober earnestness, I would wish you to be convinced that my intention
is not to attempt payment for the services rendered me, but simply to
evince my sense of their value. There is one beside me at this moment
who has given me a kiss to transmit to you--You will easily guess
who has had the audacity to enlist me into her service upon such an
occasion."

This was one of the recompenses offered to the duc de la Vauguyon, as a
compensation for the public clamor and dislike which sprung up against
him in consequence of his zeal for my service. At Versailles, the
general ferment