"
"In that case the first object of my suspicion would be my old
and esteemed friend the marechal de Richelieu."
"Ah, madame! this is not fair usage, thus to turn my weapons
against myself, and to fight me with my own arms."
Upon this the duke quitted me, and scarcely had he left the room,
when the duc la Vauguyon entered. This gentleman offered me no
advice; he contented himself by styling the Jesuits his "very good
friends," and continually turning the conversation upon their
merits. I allowed him to express his attachment, without
interruption, for these disagreeable men, whom I determined
in my own mind to have nothing to do with, recollecting all I had
heard of their dislike to our sex. After an hour passed in amusing
talk, the duc de la Vauguyon retired, well pleased with his visit,
and his place was immediately supplied by comte Jean, to whom I
communicated all that had passed between my late visitors and myself.
"For heaven's sake," said he, "let us not be the dupes of these
great lords; before we range ourselves under the banners of either
of them let us secure our own footing; let us wait till you
are presented."
"But, my good friend, I must be a married lady to obtain that honor."
"And so you will be shortly, do not be uneasy about that. I
have written to my brother William to set out without delay for
Paris. Your swain will be easily induced to marry you.
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