sentation was to take place, and why it had
not yet occurred. I replied, that the delay arose from the intrigues
of Choiseul, and the king shrunk from the discontent of a handful of
courtiers.

"I am sorry for it," said M. de Maupeou; "in the first place, madame,
because of the interest I take in you, and also because for his majesty,
it would be a means of striking terror into the opposing party. You
know, madame, how annoying parliaments are to all your friends, and
with what bitterness those of Bretagne and Paris, at this moment, are
pursuing the duc d'Aiguillon."

"Do you think," I replied with emotion, "that matters are unfavorable
towards him?"

"I hope not, but he must be warmly supported."

"Ah! I will aid him with all my influence. He is no doubt innocent of
the crimes imputed to him."

"Yes, certainly. He has done no other wrong than to defend the authority
of the crown against the enmity of the parliaments."

We continued some time to talk of parliaments and parliament men: then
we agreed that M. de Maupeou should see me again, accompanied by the duc
d'Aiguillon, who should have the credit of presenting him, and he left
me with as much mystery as he had entered.

When the king came to see me, I said to him, "I have made acquaintance
with your chancellor: he is a very amiable man, and I hope that he will
not conduct himself improperly towards me."

"Where did you see him?"

"Here, sire, and but a short time since."

"He came then to visit you?"

"Yes, in person, that he might obtain the favor of being permitted to
pay his court to me."

"Really what you tell me seems perfectly unaccountable. He has then
burst from the hands of the Choiseuls? It is amusing. Poor Choiseul,
when soliciting for Maupeou, he most tremendously deceived himself."

"At least, sire, you must own that he has given you no fool."

"True. The chancellor is a man full of talents, and I do not doubt but
that he will restore to my crown that power which circumstances have
deprived it of. However, if you see him familiarly, advise him not to
persuade me to extreme measures. I wish all should work for the best,
without violent courses and without painful struggles."

These last words proved to me the natural timidity of the king.

"I knew very well," added the king, "that Maupeou would not prove a man
for the Choiseuls. The main point is, that he should be mine, and I am
content."

Louis XV was then satisfied with the chanc