eeting me at Chantilly. Had not the prince de Conde held
out the flattering prospect of giving me a Fete wholly to myself, in all
probability I should have profited by their invitation; but knowing of
the secret intention of the prince, I returned for answer, "that it
was sufficiently flattering and gratifying to me, to find that I still
preserved any portion of the princesses' kind favor, but that I was
abundantly honored by the intimation of my presence being agreeable.
Nevertheless, as I had good authority for conjecturing that it might
not be equally so to many of the ladies of their court, I should abstain
from giving offence to any one by my presence."

"Ah, madame," cried M. de Roquelaure, "I entreat of you not to insist
upon my carrying the latter part of this message to the princesses, they
would be so much grieved."

"Well, then, sir," said I, "tell them that I am indisposed, and that the
state of my health will detain me at Versailles."

"That indeed," said he, "is a more respectful message; and further
I would venture to ask of your goodness, that since it is not your
pleasure to honor Chantilly with your presence, that you will have the
kindness to mention in the proper quarter, that far from my royal ladies
opposing any obstacle to your going, they would have been much delighted
with your presence there."

"Be assured, sir," answered I, "that I shall ever feel proud and honored
by the princesses' notice; and I will take care that the faithful
account of all their gracious condescension shall be faithfully and
loudly reported."

The bishop departed much pleased with the success of his negotiation;
and, above all, with the agreeable turn the affair had taken.

When I next saw the king, I said to him, "Your daughters, sire, are as
amiable as you would have them; they have been informed that some evil
disposed persons have asserted, that they had prohibited my being of the
party to Chantilly; and in order to testify how differently they were
disposed towards me, they despatched the bishop de Senlis."

"A most fit person to be intrusted with such a commission," replied the
king; "for I have, in every instance, endeavored to justify the
wishes of this holy pillar of the church, this worthy prelate with his
double-faced politeness, towards those whom he openly compliments, and
reviles in private, just as his interest may require it. Well! and what
did you say to him?"

"That I most humbly thanked the pri