He entreated the Comte de Broglie to support his petition, which the count declined to do, rather ungratefully reproaching d’Eon—who had never ceased to be faithful to him and had defended him in awkward situations—for having referred to him. I have received, Mademoiselle (he replied), the letter you have taken the trouble of writing to me, together with the copy of M. de Sartine’s letter. I must point out to you with regard to the latter that, although I fully appreciate the motives which have actuated you in so far as I am concerned, it would undoubtedly have been better had you abstained from mentioning my name. I hope that you may obtain the permission which you require, but I think it extremely unlikely. In that case I trust you will never do anything that may be construed into the least resistance to the King’s will. Embittered by such fresh disappointments, and irritated by his sedentary life, which was beginning to tell upon his health, d’Eon resolved—notwithstanding the refusal he had already met with—to write a letter to M. de Maurepas, which he was foolish enough to publish, and also an open letter to several great ladies at court. The two documents brought down upon the author prompt retribution which, it must be admitted, their extravagant tone fully justified. I would not for an instant encroach on the valuable time that you devote to the glory and welfare of France; but, animated by the desire to contribute to both myself, in so far as my humble position allows, I must represent to you most firmly and respectfully that the year of my female novitiate having expired, it is impossible for me to pass on to a full profession. The expenses are beyond my means, and my income is too limited. Such being the case, I can neither be of use to the King, nor to myself, nor to my family, and my sedentary life is ruining the buoyancy of my body and mind. From my youth up I have always led a most active life and, whether in the army or in diplomacy, inaction is fatal to me.