elaure; he has been working against me for some time."

"Why not send M. de Jarente?" inquired the king.

"Ah, sire," replied the duke, "because we cannot trust him; he is a
gay fellow. Madame Sophie might tell him, that he only took the part of
madame du Barry, because he passes his life amongst petticoats."

"True enough," said the king, "I prefer the duc de la Vauguyon: he has a
good reputation--"

"And well deserved," said the old marechal, sneering. "Yes, sire, he is
a pious man; at least, he plays his part well."

"Peace, viper; you spare nobody."

"Sire, I am only taking my revenge."

"Why do you not like the governor of my grandsons?"

"In truth, sire, I must confess to you, that except yourself and the
ladies, I have not many likings at Versailles."

Louis XV smiled, and I pulled the bell; when a valet appeared, I said,

"Go and find M. de la Vauguyon for his majesty."

When we were alone, "What, already?" said Louis XV.

"Madame is right," replied the duke, "we must strike while the iron is
hot."

The king began to pace up and down the room, which was his invariable
custom when anything disturbed him: then suddenly stopping,

"I should not be astonished at a point blank refusal from M. de la
Vauguyon."

"Oh, sire, make yourself easy; the governor has no inclination to follow
the steps of Montausier or Beauvilliers. In truth you are very candid;
and I must tell you, that you have too good an opinion of us."

At this moment M. de la Vauguyon entered. He saluted the king with
humility; and asked him, in a mild tone of voice, what his pleasure was
with him.

"A real mark of your zeal," was the king's reply.

"And of your gallantry," added the marechal, who saw the hesitation of
the king. Louis XV was enchanted that another should speak for him. M.
de Richelieu continued:

"His majesty, monsieur le duc, wishes that you should prepare mesdames
to receive our dear countess here, when she shall appear before them to
pay the homage of her respect and devotion."

The king, emboldened by these words, said, "Yes, my dear duke, I can
only find you in the chateau who have any influence over the princesses,
my daughters. They have much respect, and no less friendship, for you.
You will easily bring them to reason."

As M. de la Vauguyon seemed in no hurry to undertake the charge, the
marechal added,

"Yes, sir, to manage this business properly, you and M. de Senlis are
the only men in the kingdom.