he _lettres de cachet_ were signed.

On the evening of the 23d of December, his majesty having engaged to sup
with me, I had invited M. de Maupeou, the duc de la Vrilliere, and the
prince de Soubise. It appears, that the king, previously to coming, had
gone to visit the dauphiness; he had not mentioned whither he was going,
so that his attendants believed him to be in my apartments, and directed
M. d'Oigny, post-master general, to seek him there. The baron brought
with him a packet of opened letters; when he saw me alone he wished
to retire, for the servants, believing him to be one of the expected
guests, had ushered him in. However, I would not permit him to go until
the king's arrival; and, half sportively, half seriously, I took from
him his letters, protesting I would detain them as hostages for his
obedience to my desires. At this moment Louis XV entered the room; and
M. d'Oigny, having briefly stated his business, bowed and departed. The
baron was a very excellent man, possessing an extensive and intelligent
mind; he wrote very pleasing poetry, and had not his attention been
occupied by the post he filled, he might have made a conspicuous figure
in literature.

When we were left to ourselves, I said to the king,

"Now, then, for this interesting and amusing budget; for such, I doubt
not, it will prove."

"Not so fast, madam, if you please," replied Louis XV; "perhaps these
papers may contain state secrets unfit for your eye."

"Great secrets they must be," said I, laughing, "confided thus to the
carelessness of the post." So saying, I broke the seal of the envelope
so hastily, that the greater part of the letters and notes were
scattered over the carpet.

"Well done," cried the king.

"I entreat your majesty's pardon," said I, "but I will repair the
mischief as far as I can."

I stooped to collect the fallen papers, and the king had the gallantry
to assist me: we soon piled the various letters upon a tray, and began
eagerly to glance over their contents. My good fortune made me select
from the mass those epistles addressed to the members of the country
parliaments; they were filled with invectives against me, insulting
mention of the king, and praises of the duc de Choiseul. I took especial
care to read them in a loud and distinct voice.

"This really is not to be endured," cried Louis XV; "that the mistaken
zeal of these long-robed gentlemen should make them thus compliment my
minister at my expense.