d my good star did not burn
dimly in this decisive circumstance.

Amongst those who rejoiced at my triumph I cannot forget the duc
d'Aiguillon. During the whole of the day he was in the greatest
agitation. His future destiny was, in a measure, attached to my fortune;
he knew that his whole existence depended on mine; and he expected from
me powerful support to defend him against the pack of his enemies,
who were yelping open-mouthed against him. He stood in need of all
his strength of mind and equanimity to conceal the disquietude and
perplexity by which he was internally agitated.

The comte Jean also participated in this great joy. His situation at
court was not less doubtful; he had no longer reason to blush for his
alliance with me, and could now form, without excess of presumption, the
most brilliant hopes of the splendor of his house. His son, the vicomte
Adolphe, was destined to high fortune; and I assure you that I deeply
regretted when a violent and premature death took him away from his
family. My presentation permitted his father to realize the chimera
which he had pursued with so much perseverance. He flattered himself
in taking part with me. I did not forget him in the distribution of
my rewards; and the king's purse was to him a source into which he
frequently dipped with both hands.

The next day I had a visit from the chancellor.

"Now," said he, "you are at the height of your wishes, and we must
arrange matters, that the king shall find perpetual and varied
amusements, with you. He does not like large parties; a small circle is
enough for him; then he is at his ease, and likes to see the same faces
about him. If you follow my advice you will have but few females about
you, and select that few with discernment."

"How can I choose them at all when I see so very few?" was my reply. "I
have no positive intimacy with any court lady; and amongst the number
I should be at a loss to select any one whom I would wish to associate
with in preference to another."

"Oh, do not let that disturb you," he replied: "they leave you alone
now, because each is intent on observing what others may do; but as soon
as any one shall pay you a visit, the others will run as fast after you
as did the sheep of Panurge. I am greatly deceived if they are not very
desirous that one of them shall devote herself, and make the first dash,
that they may profit by her pretended fault. I know who will not be
the last to come and sta