This spiteful old man possessed
no share of the talent of his family; and, not contented with the
favor bestowed on his nephew, thought only of his personal credit
and influence, which he fancied he should best secure by introducing
a new mistress to the king. This well-concocted scheme threw
both Comte Jean and myself into a perfect fury. We dismissed
Marin with a present of fifty louis, and my brother-in-law
besought of me to grant him four and twenty hours undisturbed
reflection, whilst, on my side, I assured him I should not rest
until we had completely discomfited our enemies.
On the following day Comte Jean laid before me several projects,
which were far from pleasing in my eyes; too much time was required
in their execution. I knew the king too well to be blind to the
danger of allowing this mere whim of the moment to take root in
his mind. One idea caught my fancy, and without mentioning it to
Comte Jean, I determined upon carrying it into execution.
The marechale de Mirepoix happened at this moment not to be at
Paris at her hotel in the rue Bergere, but at her country house,
situated au Port a l'Anglaise. I signified to the king my intention
of passing a couple of days with the marechale, and accordingly
set out for that purpose. Upon my arrival at Paris I merely
changed horses, and proceeded onwards with all possible despatch
to rejoin the marechale, who was quite taken by surprise at my
unexpected arrival.
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