"
For once the madcap girl got the better of the practised courtier.
M. de Soubise, taken in his own snare, politely excused himself,
and left me with an assurance that he would speak to the king.
He did speak, but obtained nothing more than any other. You
will see in my next letter that I did not arrive at the
accomplishment of my wishes without much trouble. There were
in this affair more intrigues for and against me than were afterwards
set on foot to decide war with America.
CHAPTER VII
The comtesse and the duc d'Aiguillon--M. de Soubise--Louis XV
and the duc d'Aiguillon--Letter from the comtesse to the king--
Answer of the king-The "
"--The comtesse and
Louis XV--The supper--The court ladies mystified--The comtesse and
M. de Sartines
I was still triumphing at the skill which I had displayed
in my conference with the prince de Soubise when the
duc d'Aiguillon entered.
"Good heaven," said he, kissing my hand very tenderly, "into
what inquietude did you throw me by your dear and cruel letter.
The ambiguity of your style has caused me inexpressible sorrow;
and you have added to it by not allowing me to come to you at
the first moment."
"I could not: I thought it would be dangerous for you to appear
before the king previously to having seen me."
"Would the king have thought my visit strange?" asked the duke,
not without some emotion.
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