Yes, I am indeed a
stranger to all that passes around me; my only support
is the protection with which the king honors me. That
is all-powerful, but I will not employ it unseasonably
or improperly. I know that I need the counsels of
an honorable, prudent, and well-informed man. I accept,
therefore, of yours; I even ask them from you, if your
friendship go along with them. Adieu, monsieur. My
regards are due to your uncle, the marechal, the
first time you write to him."
This letter filled the duc d'Aiguillon with joy. Some days
afterwards, the prince de Soubise, who also wished to give me
his advice, did not attain the same success. It must be owned,
that, for a man of the world, he went about it in a very clumsy
way. He committed the extreme error of selecting mademoiselle
Guimard as mediatrix between himself and me. This lady came to
me on the strength of our former acquaintance; she had so little
sense as not to perceive the immense distance between us which a
few days had caused, and that the opera-dancer kept by the prince
de Soubise could have no relation with the favorite of the king
of France. I endeavored, in vain, to make her perceive it, without
mortifying her too much. She always called me her dear friend,
and fairly slaughtered me with saying that
prince would
protect me. It was singular for her to speak thus to me; to me
from whom prince solicited protection.
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