I see that until you are
presented, there will be doubts perpetually arising and tormenting
us on the subject; and until it takes place I shall have no ease.
! Let us take the best means in our power of reducing
these malcontents to silence."
" Sire," replied the marechal, "make your will palpable, and you
will see all the court submit."
"Yes, but my daughters?"
"Mesdames know better than any persons the deference due to
your orders."
"I assure you," replied the king, "that it will be an unpleasant
quarter of an hour for me to pass."
"Well, sire, then charge one of us with the mission: the bishop
of Senlis, for instance, or M. de la Vauguyon. I feel assured
that either of them will acquit himself admirably in the business,
with the previous understanding that your majesty will support
him with your authority."
"I will do so most assuredly; but it will be best not to use it
but at the last extremity. I have no wish to be made a bugbear
to my family."
"As to the selection of an ambassador," I interrupted, "I beg it
may not fall on M. de Roquelaure; he has been working against
me for some time."
"Why not send M. de Jarente?" inquired the king.
"Ah, sire," replied the duke, "because we cannot trust him; he
is a gay* fellow. Madame Sophie might tell him, that he only
took the part of madame du Barry, because he passes his life
amongst petticoats.
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