pressions, but her behavior allows of none milder. And what
have I done in my turn? snatched from a lingering death an unfortunate
young man, whose only crime consisted in having pleased this
unreasonable madame d'Egmont. I procured the king's protection for
the miserable object of the princess's affection; I obtained his safe
removal to another country; and, having done all this, I communicated
my knowledge of the transaction to the comtesse d'Egmont. Does this bear
any comparison with her line of conduct towards me?"

"But your letter, madame; your letter--"

"Would bear alterations and amendments, sir, I am aware: I admit I did
not sufficiently insist upon the atrocity of such an abuse of power."

"You are then resolved, madame, to make us your enemies."

"I should be very sorry, monsieur le duc, to be compelled to such
extremities; but if your friendship can only be purchased at the price
of my submitting to continually receive the insults of your family, I
should be the first to cease to aspire to it. If Madame d'Egmont
holds herself aggrieved by me, let her carry her complaint before
the parliament; we shall then see what redress she will get. She has
compromised the king's name by an arbitrary act; and since you thus
attack me, you must not take it amiss if I make the king acquainted with
the whole business."

The marechal, surprised at so severe a reply, could no longer restrain
the rage which filled him. "I should have thought, madame," said he,
"that my daughter, in whose veins flows royal blood, might have merited
some little consideration from the comtesse du Barry."

"It is well, then, monsieur le duc," replied I, "to point out to you
your error. I see in my enemies their works and actions alone, without
any reference to their birth, be it high or low; and the conduct of
madame d'Egmont has been so violent and unceasing towards me, that it
leaves me without the smallest regret for that I have pursued towards
her."

I had imagined that this reply would still further irritate the angry
feelings of the duc de Richelieu, but it did not: he easily guessed that
nothing but the king's support could have inspired me to express myself
with so much energy; and, if paternal vanity strove in his heart,
personal interests spoke there with even a louder voice. He therefore
sought to lay aside his anger, and, like a skilful courtier, changing
his angry look and tone for one of cheerfulness:

"Madame," said he, "I