s cost
me no less a sum than 2800 livres. I did not forget my good friend M.
de Sartines, who received a cane, headed with gold, around which was a
small band of diamonds. As for Chamilly, I granted him his pardon; and I
think you will admit that was being sufficiently generous.

After having thus recompensed the zeal of my friends, I had leisure to
think of taking vengeance upon the duc de Richelieu for the part he had
acted. He came of his own accord to throw himself into the very heat of
my anger. He had been calling on the marechale de Mirepoix, where he had
seen with envious eyes the magnificent carpet I had presented her with;
the cupidity of the duke induced him, after continually recurring to
the subject, to say, that where my friends were concerned, no one could
accuse me of want of liberality. "No, sir," answered I, "I consider that
no price can sufficiently repay the kind and faithful services of a
true friend, nor can baseness and treachery be too generally exposed
and punished." From the tone in which I spoke the old marechal easily
perceived to what I was alluding. He was wise enough to be silent,
whilst I followed up this first burst of my indignation, by adding,

"For instance, monsieur le duc, how can I sufficiently repay your
friendly zeal to supply the king with a new mistress?"

"I, madam?"

"Yes, sir, you; I am aware of all your kind offices, and only lament my
inability to reward them in a suitable manner."

"In that case I shall not attempt to deny my share in the business."

"You have then sufficient honor to avow your enmity towards me?"

"By no means enmity, madam. I merely admit my desire to contribute to
the amusement of the king, and surely, when I see all around anxious
to promote the gratification of their sovereign, I need not be withheld
from following so loyal an example. The duc de Duras was willing to
present his own relation for his majesty's acceptance, the abbe Terray
offers his own daughter, Comte Jean his sister-in-law, whilst I simply
threw a humble and modest female in his majesty's path. I cannot see in
what my fault exceeds that of the gentlemen I have just mentioned."

"You really are the most audacious of men," replied I, laughing; "I
shall be obliged to solicit a _lettre de cachet_ to hold you a prisoner
in Guienne. Upon my word, your nephew and myself have a valuable and
trustworthy friend in you."

"Hark ye, madam," rejoined the marechal. "I know not, in the fir