I content myself in assuring
you, that I have for you as much confidence as respect, and should
be very happy to obtain your protection."
"My protection! Oh, heaven, madame, you are jesting. It is I who
should be honored by your friendship."
"It is yours; but as yet I am nothing at court, and can do nothing
there until I have been presented. It is for my speedy presentation
that my friends should labor now."
"We will not fail, madame; and if you will allow me to come from
time to time to converse with you, we can take our measures."
"Your visits will always be agreeable."
Such was the conversation which I had with the duc de la Vauguyon.
I have given it somewhat at length, because it was the preface to a
deep intrigue which made a vast noise. I think I extricated myself
very well from the net in which the duke sought to catch me. I knew
that his situation at Versailles compelled me to act with caution
towards him. He was in good odor with
, had the ear of
the young dauphin and the princes his brothers. He deceived me
like a true Jesuit as he was, in telling me that the
were well disposed towards me ; and on my side I cheated him with
a promise of confidence and, friendship which I never bestowed.
Ah! my friend, again and again must I exclaim, what a villainous
place is a court!
Whilst the duc de la Vauguyon was seeking to enlist me under
the banners of heaven or the Jesuits, the marquis of Chauvelin
also essayed to make me his pupil; but as frank as he was amiable,
this nobleman did not go to work in a roundabout manner.
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