The tide of public
favour was with him; and, in order to contest it, it required all
the influence of a woman, and that woman to be no less than the
beloved mistress of the king of France.
He presented himself before me tastefully and magnificently dressed,
both look and voice wearing the stamp of high-born pride and
haughtiness. Nevertheless, amidst all this pomp, it was evident
that he did not entirely feel the ease he assumed, and that a
species of remorse rankled at his heart, spite of the courtier-like
gallantry with which he had invested himself.
"Madam," said he, bowing twice most profoundly, "the moment has
arrived which I have long most ardently desired."
"The fault has not been mine, my lord," said I, "that it has been
delayed until now. My door has never been shut against any
visit you might have honoured me with."
"Ah, madam! why have I not known this sooner? Some evil planet
ruled my thoughts when it occurred to me that I might not be so
happy as to meet with a favourable reception."
"There, my lord, you were indeed in error; for though I might not
feel a very tender friendship towards you whilst supposing I had
many causes for complaint, I could not refuse you those marks of
respect your rank and station entitle you to receive."
"Then, madam, I may flatter myself that I should have been
kindly received?"
"Yes, sir, you would ever have been welcome, but not those
belonging to you, for I will be perfectly candid; always excepting
the duchesse de Choiseul, for whom I entertain the greatest
veneration and respect.
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