madame Lagarde, who considered you one of her dearest friends."

"Sire," replied I, "I was too much occupied with your majesty, to think
of any other person in the world."

My answer delighted him, he looked at me in the most gracious manner.

"You would almost persuade me that you love me," said he, smiling.

"Indeed, your majesty," said I, "I only pray that you desire the
continuance of my affection."

"In that case," replied he, kissing my hand with fervor, "you do but
partake of my tenderness for you."

These words flattered my vanity, and here I must declare that if I never
felt for the king that violent attachment which is termed love, I ever
entertained for him the warmest esteem. He was so attentive, so kind to
me, that I must have been a monster of ingratitude could I have looked
upon him with indifference.

Our supper on this night was again lively as the first had been. The
duc de Richelieu entertained us with several amusing anecdotes; not that
they contained any thing very piquant, but the duke related them well,
and we were all in the humor to be pleased, and laughed heartily at
what he said. Comte Jean, whose eye constantly followed me, appeared
perfectly satisfied with all I said or did. As for the king, he seemed
enchanted with me, and seemed wholly occupied in watching my looks, that
he might anticipate my wants. After supper, in the _tete-a-tete_
which followed, he explained himself in terms which left me no doubt how
securely my empire over him was established. Had he been less explicit
on the subject, the flattering marks of favor, and the adulatory
compliments I received from all on the following day, would well have
assured me of it. I was no longer an obscure and friendless individual,
but the beloved mistress of the king; I was, to use the expression of
Lebel, a new sun which had arisen to illumine horizon of Versailles.
I could no longer doubt my power when I saw noble personages present
themselves to solicit the most servile employments about my person.
Amongst others, I might instance a certain lady de St. Benoit, who
continued first lady of my chamber, during the whole time of my
regency;--my justly-valued Henriette being contented to take the second
place of honor.

CHAPTER IV

The duc d'Aiguillon--The duc de Fronsac--The duchesse de
Grammont--The meeting--Sharp words on both sides--The duc de
Choiseul--Mesdames d'Aiguillon--Letter from the duc
d'Aiguill