included amongst the stones which were animated by Amphion: this is one
of your triumphs; but to this you must be accustomed.

"Believe also that all your friends are not in the enemy's camp.
There are those about me who love you sincerely, M. de Chauvelin, for
instance, MM. de Richelieu and d'Aiguillon: this latter eulogizes you
incessantly; and if all the world thought as he does, you would be here
in your place. But there are terrible prejudices which my candor will
not allow me to dissemble, which you have to overcome. There is _one_
who complains of you, and this one must be won over to your interests.
He wishes you to testify more veneration for what he venerates himself;
that your attacks should not be so vehement nor so constant. Is it then
impossible for you to comply his wishes in this particular? Be sure that
you only, in setting no bounds in your attacks on religion, do yourself
a vast mischief with the person in question.

"It will appear strange that I should hold such language to you: I only
do it to serve you: do not take my statements unkindly. I have now a
favor to ask of you; which is, to include me in the list of those to
whom you send the first fruits of the brilliant productions of your
pen. There is none who is more devoted to you, and who has a more ardent
desire to convince you of this.

"I am, _monsieur le gentilhomme ordinaire_, with real attachment, etc."

I showed this letter to M. de Richelieu.

"Why," he inquired, "have you not assured him as to your indiscretion,
which he fears?"

"Because his fear seemed to me unjust, and I leave you to represent me
to him as I am; and now," I added, "it does not appear to me necessary
for the king to know anything of this."

"You think wisely, madame; what most displeased him was to see madame de
Pompadour in regular correspondence with M. de Voltaire."

I have related to you this episode of my history, that it may recompense
you for the tiresome details of my presentation. I resume my recital. I
told you that M. de Maupeou had told me that he would endeavor to bring
madame la marechale de Mirepoix, and introduce her to me, trusting to
the friendship she had evinced for madame de Pompadour during the whole
time of the favor and life of her who preceded me in the affections of
Louis XV. I found, to my surprise, that he said nothing to me concerning
it for several days, when suddenly madame la marechale de Mirepoix was
announced.

At this name a