him four and twenty hours
undisturbed reflection, whilst, on my side, I assured him I should not
rest until we had completely discomfited our enemies.

On the following day Comte Jean laid before me several projects, which
were far from pleasing in my eyes; too much time was required in
their execution. I knew the king too well to be blind to the danger of
allowing this mere whim of the moment to take root in his mind. One idea
caught my fancy, and without mentioning it to Comte Jean, I determined
upon carrying it into execution.

The marechale de Mirepoix happened at this moment not to be at Paris at
her hotel in the rue Bergere, but at her country house, situated au Port
a l'Anglaise. I signified to the king my intention of passing a couple
of days with the marechale, and accordingly set out for that purpose.
Upon my arrival at Paris I merely changed horses, and proceeded onwards
with all possible despatch to rejoin the marechale, who was quite taken
by surprise at my unexpected arrival. After many mutual embraces and
exchange of civilities, I explained to her the whole affair which had
brought me from Versailles. The good-natured marechale could not believe
her ears. She soon, however, comprehended the nature of my alarms;
and so far from seeking to dissipate them, urged me to lose no time in
crushing an affair, which grew more threatening from each day's delay. I
was fully of her opinion, and only asked her assistance and co-operation
in my plan of writing to M. de Rumas, and inviting him to come on the
following day to the house of madame de Mirepoix.

That lady would doubtless have preferred my asking her to assist me in
any other way, but still she could not refuse to serve me in the manner
described: for I either bestowed on her all she desired, or caused
others to gratify her slightest request; and how could she be sure, that
were my reign to end, she might derive the same advantages from any
new favorite? Self-interest therefore bound her to my service, and
accordingly she wrote to M. de Rumas a very pressing letter, requesting
to see him on the following day upon matters of the highest importance.
This letter sent off, I dined with the marechale, and then returned to
sleep at Paris.

On the following day, at an early hour, I repaired to the Port a
l'Anglaise; M. de Rumas arrived there a few minutes after myself. He had
the air and look of an honest man, but perhaps no species of deceit is
more easily det