dames_, had the ear of the young dauphin and
the princes his brothers. He deceived me like a true Jesuit as he was,
in telling me that the _mesdames_ were well disposed towards me; and on
my side I cheated him with a promise of confidence and, friendship which
I never bestowed. Ah! my friend, again and again must I exclaim, what a
villainous place is a court!

Whilst the duc de la Vauguyon was seeking to enlist me under the banners
of heaven or the Jesuits, the marquis of Chauvelin also essayed to make
me his pupil; but as frank as he was amiable, this nobleman did not go
to work in a roundabout manner. He came to me loyally, requesting me to
consider his interests and mine.

"The king likes me," said he, "and I am attached to him body and soul.
He tenderly loves you, and I should have no difficulty in doing the same
thing; but as I am no longer of an age to inspire you with the passion
which I should feel towards you, I content myself with your friendship.
I have no enemy here, and no wish to hurt any person. Thus you need not
fear that I shall urge you to any measures that might compromise you. It
is the hatred of the kingdom that you will have to fear. France is about
to march in a better track, and the best plan is to follow its lead.
It pains me, madame, to use language which may appear severe to you; we
ought only to talk to you of your beauty and the love which it inspires.
But in your situation, even that beauty may serve the interests of
France, and it is for that motive that I come to solicit you."

I replied to M. de Chauvelin with equal frankness. I told him that my
sole intentions were to confine myself to the circle of my duties; that
I had none but to please the king, and no intention of mixing myself
up with state affairs. This was my plan I can assure you. I flattered
myself that I could follow it, not dreaming of those political nuisances
into which I was precipitated in spite of myself. I added, nevertheless,
that in my situation, which was delicate, I would not refuse the
counsels of a faithful servant of the king, and that under this title M.
de Chauvelin should be consulted on important occasions.

The marquis de Chauvelin had too much good sense, too much knowledge of
the world, not to perceive a refusal concealed under this politeness.
The secret inclination of my heart had already led me to select the duc
d'Aiguillon for my director, and I could not reconcile myself to any
other. He contented