ions had never been
known to fail. Not that in the present instance any great bribes were
requisite, but it was necessary to employ some agent whose specious
reasoning and oily tongue should have power to vanquish the virtuous
reluctance of the victim herself, as well as to obtain a promise of
strict silence from her family. They were soon induced to listen to
their artful temptress; and the daughter, dazzled by the glittering
prospect held out to her, was induced to accompany _madame_ back to
Trianon, where the king was to sup, in company with the ducs d'Aiguillon
and de Richelieu, the prince de Soubise, the ducs de Cosse, de Duras,
and de Noailles, mesdames de Mirepoix, de Forcalquier, de Flaracourt,
and myself; my brother-in-law and Chon were also of the party, although
not among the number of those who sat down to supper. Their presence was
merely to keep up my spirits, and with a view to divert me from dwelling
on the presumed infidelity of the king.

We had promised ourselves a most delightful evening, and had all come
with the expectation of finding considerable amusement in watching the
countenances and conduct of those who were not aware of the real state
of the game, whilst such as were admitted into my entire confidence,
were sanguine in their hopes and expectations of employing the simple
beauty of the maiden of Versailles to crush the aspiring views of my
haughty rival of the _Parc-aux-Cerfs_. This was, indeed, the point
at which I aimed, and my further intention was to request the king to
portion off mademoiselle Julie, so that she might be ever removed from
again crossing my path.

Meanwhile, by way of passing the tedious hours, I went to satisfy my
curiosity respecting those charms of which comte Jean had spoken so
highly. I found the object of so many conjectures possessed of an
uncommon share of beauty, set off, on the present occasion, by every aid
that a splendid and elaborate toilette could impart; her features were
perfect, her form tall and symmetrical, her hair was in the richest
style of luxuriance; but by way of drawback to so many advantages, both
her hands and feet were large and coarse. I had expected to have found
her timid, yet exulting, but she seemed languid and dejected even to
indisposition. I attributed the lassitude and heaviness which hung over
her to some natural regrets for sacrificing some youthful passion at
the shrine of ambition; but I was far from guessing the truth. Had I b