A slight preface--Arrival at Versailles--_"La toilette"_--
Portrait of the king--The duc de Richelieu--The marquis de
Chauvelin--The duc de la Vauguyon-Supper with the king--The
first night--The following day--The curiosity of comte Jean--
Presents from the king--How disposed of

The chances against our succeeding in our enterprise were at least a
thousand to one. The sea upon which, trusting to the favorable influence
of my leading star, we were about to venture, was filled with rocks and
shoals which threatened the poor mariner who should direct his bark near
them. In the first place, I had to dread my obscure birth, as well as
the manner in which my life had been passed; and still more had I to
fear the indifferent reputation of comte Jean. There was more than
sufficient in all this to disturb a head far stronger than I could
boast. However, thanks to my thoughtfulness, no troublesome thoughts
interfered to break my rest on the night preceding a day so important
to me, and I slept as tranquilly as though upon waking I had no other
occupation for my time than a walk on the boulevards, or a drive to the
Bois de Boulogne.

Comte Jean, however, had passed a very different night; for once, the
whisperings of ambition had overcome even his natural indifference and
carelessness, and tired of tossing upon a sleepless pillow, he arose
at the first break of day, reproached me for slumbering so long, and
allowed me neither peace nor rest till I joined him dressed for our
journey. At length, we set out according to our agreement with Lebel; I
was closely muffled up in my large _caleche_--the carriage rolled along
till we reached Versailles, where we had for the last month engaged a
lodging, which might be useful to us in all events; we alighted, and
after vainly seeking a few moments' repose, proceeded on foot to Lebel,
in whose apartments we were to attire ourselves in a suitable manner.

"You are welcome," said the comte, "pray consider yourself as at home."

"I accept your augury," replied I, "it would be amusing enough to find
that my young prophet had predicted rightly."

"Well then," said my conductor, laughing, "I recommend you to manage a
slip on the staircase, it would be taking possession after the manner of
the ancients."

"No, no, I thank you," answered I; "no falls if you please, they are not
propitious in France."

Whilst we were thus speaking, we were crossing a long suite of chambers