"

"So much the worse for you, sire," replied I, "considering that you
continue to prefer your minister to every other consideration."

As I continued searching through the letters, I found and read the
following phrase:--"Spite of the reports in circulation, I do not
believe it possible that M. de Choiseul will be dismissed; he is too
necessary to the king, who, without him would be as incapable as a child
of managing his affairs: his majesty must preserve our friend in office
in spite of himself."

When I had finished, the king exclaimed, in an angry tone, "We shall see
how far the prophecy of these sapient gentlemen is correct, and whether
their 'friend' is so important to me that I dare not dismiss him. Upon
my word, my minister has placed himself so advantageously before his
master, as to exclude him entirely from the eyes of his subjects."

Whilst these words were speaking, M. de Maupeou and M. de la Vrilliere
were announced; the king, still warm, let fall some words expressive of
his displeasure at what had happened. The gauntlet was thrown; and
so well did we work upon the irritated mind of Louis XV, that it
was determined M. de Choiseul should be dismissed the following day,
December 24, 1770. Chanteloup was chosen for the place of his retreat,
and M. de la Vrilliere, by the dictation of the king, wrote the
following letter to the duke:--

"Cousin,-, The dissatisfaction caused me by your conduct compels me to
request you will confine yourself to your estate at Chanteloup, whither
you will remove in four and twenty hours from the date hereof. I should
have chosen a more remote spot for your place of exile, were it not
for the great esteem I entertain for the duchesse de Choiseul, in whose
delicate health I feel much interest. Have a care that you do not, by
your own conduct, oblige me to adopt harsher measures; and hereupon I
pray God to have you in his keeping."

(Signed) "Louis,"

(and lower down) "PHILIPPEAUX"

When this letter was completed, I said to the king,

"Surely, sire, you do not mean to forget the duke's faithful ally, M.
de Praslin? It would ill become us to detain him when the head of the
family has taken leave of us."

"You are right," replied the king, smiling; "besides, an old broom taken
from a masthead would be as useful to us as he would."

Then, turning to M. de la Vrilliere, the king dictated the following
laconic notice:--

"COUSIN,--I have no further occasion for your serv