"Yes, sire,
he is a pious man; at least, he plays his part well. "
"Peace, viper; you spare nobody."
"Sire, I am only taking my revenge."
"Why do you not like the governor of my grandsons?"
"In truth, sire, I must confess to you, that except yourself and
the ladies, I have not many likings at Versailles."
Louis XV smiled, and I pulled the bell; when a valet appeared,
I said,
"Go and find M. de la Vauguyon for his majesty."
When we were alone, "What, already? "said Louis XV.
"Madame is right," replied the duke, "we must strike while the
iron is hot."
The king began to pace up and down the room, which was his
invariable custom when anything disturbed him: then suddenly stopping,
"I should not be astonished at a point blank refusal from M. de
la Vauguyon."
"Oh, sire, make yourself easy; the governor has no inclination to
follow the steps of Montausier or Beauvilliers. In truth you are
very candid; and I must tell you, that you have too good an
opinion of us."
At this moment M. de la Vauguyon entered. He saluted the king
with humility; and asked him, in a mild tone of voice, what his
pleasure was with him.
"A real mark of your zeal," was the king's reply.
"And of your gallantry," added the marechal, who saw the hesitation
of the king. Louis XV was enchanted that another should speak
for him.
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