He loved his pleasure much,
but his ease more.
Comte Jean, who was restrained by no considerations, advised me
to overleap all difficulty, by asking the king myself for the favor
which I coveted. His advice seemed rational, and I was besides
urged on to do so. Each day brought to me impertinences said of
me by the noble ladies of the chateau. I learnt that they boasted
that I should never set foot in the great apartments, but should
remain the obscure mistress of the king. This made me impatient,
and by degrees deprived me of my natural gaiety.
One day when the king was with me, he perceived my want of spirits.
"What ails you?" said be, with the greatest solicitude.
"What ails me!" replied I, "I wish I were dead, rather than see
myself the butt of all the scandal of the foul-mouthed gossips
of your court."
The king, suspecting the confidence I was about to repose in him,
was sorry he had asked for it, and was silent. He began to play
a tattoo with his fingers on the chimney-piece. At this moment
mademoiselle Chon came in. The king, delighted at seeing her,
instantly inquired into her state of health. She, after a profound
reverence, said,
"Sire, how can I be well when there is trouble in my family?"
"Ah,
! what is this?" said he, turning to me.
"I am insulted, hooted: they say that I have the misfortune to be
no longer in the good graces of your majesty.
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