te its truth."

At these words he made a sign for Lemonnier to advance, and after having
explained to him the subject of conversation, begged of him to speak his
opinion openly and candidly. Lemonnier was somewhat of a courtier, and
one glance at the two noblemen before whom he stood, was sufficient to
apprize him what opinion was expected from him. He, therefore, fully and
unhesitatingly confirmed all that Bordeu had previously advanced.

Strong in these decisions, the duc de Duras expressed his regret to the
confessor at being unable to accord his request. "But," added he, "You
perceive the thing is impossible, unless to him who would become a
regicide."

This terrible expression renewed the former terror of the abbe, who,
satisfied with having shown his zeal, was, perhaps, not very sorry for
having met with such insurmountable obstacles. He immediately returned
to the apartment of madame Sophie, where the council was still
assembled, and related the particulars of his visit; whilst the poor
archbishop of Paris, thus foiled in every attempt, was compelled to
leave Versailles wholly unsuccessful.

I heard all these things from the duc de Richelieu; he told me that
nothing could have been more gratifying than the conduct of Bordeu and
Lemonnier, and that I had every reason for feeling satisfied with the
conduct of all around me. "It is in the moment of peril," said he, "that
we are best able to know our true friends."

"I see it," replied I; "and since our danger is a mutual one ought we
not to forget our old subjects of dispute?"

"For my own part, madam," returned he, "I do not remember that any ever
existed; besides, is not my cause yours likewise? A new reign will
place me completely in the background. The present king looks upon me as
almost youthful; while, on the contrary, his grandson will consider me
as a specimen of the days of Methuselah. The change of masters can be
but to my disadvantage; let us, therefore, stand firmly together, that
we may be the better enabled to resist the attacks of our enemies."

"Do you consider," inquired I, "that we may rely upon the firmness of
the duc de Duras?"

"As safely as you may on mine," answered he, "so long as he is not
attacked face to face; but if they once assail him with the arms of
etiquette, he is a lost man, he will capitulate. It is unfortunate for
him that I am not likely to be near him upon such an occasion."

Comte Jean, who never left me, then took