He soon, however, became weary of his new allies; and, once more
abandoning himself to the guidance of interest, he rejoined our
party. Well did M. de Maupeou know men, when he said they all
had their price; and great as may be the rank and title of princes,
with plenty of money, they too may be had.
But amongst all the candidates for the ministry, the one who
occasioned me the greatest trouble was the duc de la Vauguyon,
who insisted upon it that he had done much for me, and complained
bitterly of his unrequited services, and of my having bestowed
my confidence on others. Up to the moment of the disgrace of the
des Choiseuls, he had been amongst the most bitter of the
malcontents; but no sooner were they banished from court than
M. de la Vauguyon forgot every thing, and hastened to me with
every mark of the warmest friendship.
"Ah!" exclaimed he," I have much to scold you for, but I will
forgive you all your past misdeeds, if you will perform your
promise to me."
"My dear father," cried I (for I used jestingly to style him so,
in the same manner as I designated the bishop of Orleans
), "are you, indeed displeased with me? That is very
naughty: for you know I love you with all my heart."
"If it be true that you entertain any regard for me, why have
you evinced so little towards me? Am I not of the right materials
for making ministers? Why, then, have you never procured my
appointment to any of the vacant situations?"
"Stay, stay, my dear father," cried I, "how you run on! To hear
you talk, any person would suppose that places and appointments
rained down upon me, and that I had only to say to you, my dear
duke, choose which you please; then, indeed, you might complain
with justice; but you know very well, that all these delightful
things are in the hands of the king, who alone has a right to
bestow them as he judges best, whilst I am wholly powerless in
the business.
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