ner did the account of his majesty's illness reach him, than,
although suffering with a most painful complaint, he hastened to
Versailles, where his presence embarrassed every one, particularly
the grand almoner, who, a better courtier than priest, was excessively
careful never to give offence to any person, even though the king's
salvation depended upon it; he, therefore, kept his apartment, giving
it out that he was indisposed, and even took to his bed, the better
to avoid any disagreeable or inconvenient request. The sight of the
archbishop of Paris was far from being agreeable to him. This prelate
went first in search of the princesses who were not to be seen on
account of their being with their father. A message was despatched to
them, and mesdames Adelaide and Sophie, after having a long conference
with him, by his advice, summoned the bishops of Meaux, Goss, and de
Senlis, and held a species of council, in which it was unanimously
agreed that nothing ought to prevent their entering upon an explanation
with the king, and offering him spiritual succour.

Who was to undertake the delicate commission, became the next point
to consider. M. de Roquelaire declined, not wishing, as he said,
to infringe upon the rights of the grand almoner, who was now at
Versailles. M. de la Roche Aymon was therefore sent for, requesting his
immediate attendance. Never did invitation arrive more _mal a propos_,
or more cruelly disturb any manoeuvring soul. However, to refuse
was impossible, and the cardinal arrived, execrating the zeal of his
reverend brother of Paris; who, after having explained the state
of affairs to him, informed him that he was sent for the purpose of
discharging his office by preparing the king for confession.

The grand almoner replied, that the sacred duty by no means belonged
to him; that his place at court was of a very different nature, and had
nothing at all to do with directing the king's conscience. His majesty,
he said, had a confessor, who ought to be sent for, and the very
sight of him in the royal chamber would be sufficient to apprize the
illustrious invalid of the motives which brought him thither. In a word,
the grand almoner got rid of the affair, by saying, "that, as it was one
of the utmost importance, it would be necessary to confer with his royal
highness, the dauphin, respecting it."

CHAPTER XLII

First proceedings of the council--The dauphin receives the
prelates with grea