In spite of de Praslin’s sceptical conjectures, the Duc de Nivernais obtained for “his little d’Eon” the difficult favour he had requested. This success was a clearer indication of Nivernais’ great influence at the court of St. James’ than any testimonial; and the ambassador did not omit to banter the minister on his incredulity: I am very glad you were stupid enough to believe it impossible that the French secretary—my little d’Eon—should be the bearer of the King of England’s ratifications. The fact is, you did not fully realise the great kindness and esteem which your ambassador enjoys here, and it is just as well that you have done so, for otherwise you would be capable of despising me all your life, while now you will doubtless have some regard for me. D’Eon reached Paris on February 26, as bearer of the ratifications. Praslin did not fail to remark that he had made “great haste,” but, without grudging him his success, exerted himself in his behalf. On March 1, he informed Nivernais that the Cross of Saint Louis and a gratuity were to be conferred upon his little d’Eon by the King: “I think he will be satisfied,” he added; “as for me, I am delighted, for he is a handsome young fellow and a hard worker, and I am his well-wisher.” D’Eon met with a warm reception at court, and took good care not to forget the commissions with which his chiefs had charged him. He gave Madame de Pompadour news of the wretched health of her “little husband,” and delivered to her some purses from England which she pronounced to be very ugly and “coarse as ropes.” The favourite thought d’Eon was “an excellent person,” and considered it “a great act of politeness on the part of the English to entrust him with the treaty.” Congratulating Nivernais upon having terminated his work, she urged him to return and “repair his health by the good air of France.” As the Duc de Nivernais had accomplished to his master’s satisfaction the delicate and difficult negotiation for which he had been sent to London, the Duc de Praslin could not think of prolonging an embassy from which his friend had reaped every advantage and honour, and which was hardly better than an honourable exile for that wealthy and literary nobleman. The choice of a successor had, moreover, preoccupied Nivernais himself for several months. He had thought of his friend, the Comte de Guerchy, lieutenant-general of the King’s armies, who had earned distinction in the Seven Years’ War, and enjoyed a great reputation for courage at Versailles. A fearless soldier, Guerchy had never been afforded the opportunity of proving himself a diplomat, and even his friends doubted his qualifications for that career. Such was the opinion of de Praslin, who replied, on January 8, 1763, to the proposals which the Duc de Nivernais had just made: