For once the madcap girl got the better of the practised courtier. M. de Soubise, taken in his own snare, politely excused himself, and left me with an assurance that he would speak to the king. He did speak, but obtained nothing more than any other. You will see in my next letter that I did not arrive at the accomplishment of my wishes without much trouble. There were in this affair more intrigues for and against me than were afterwards set on foot to decide war with America. CHAPTER VII The comtesse and the duc d'Aiguillon--M. de Soubise--Louis XV and the duc d'Aiguillon--Letter from the comtesse to the king--Answer of the king-The "_Nouvelles a la Main_"--The comtesse and Louis XV--The supper--The court ladies mystified--The comtesse and M. de Sartines I was still triumphing at the skill which I had displayed in my conference with the prince de Soubise when the duc d'Aiguillon entered. "Good heaven," said he, kissing my hand very tenderly, "into what inquietude did you throw me by your dear and cruel letter. The ambiguity of your style has caused me inexpressible sorrow; and you have added to it by not allowing me to come to you at the first moment." "I could not: I thought it would be dangerous for you to appear before the king previously to having seen me." "Would the king have thought my visit strange?" asked the duke, not without some emotion. "That is not the point. The black spite of my enemies has not yet deprived me of the counsels of a friend. But as it is necessary to speak to the king in my favor, I wish that he should not know that you do so at my request." After this I related to the duke my conversation with the king. "Your situation is delicate," said he to me, "but it should not trouble you. The king is weak, we must give him courage. It is his pliancy of disposition rather than his resistance that we must contend with, and I go to act upon it." I then instructed the duke with what had passed between me and the prince de Soubise. When I had done, the duke replied: "Expect nothing from the prince de Soubise: he will speak, no doubt; but how? In a jesting, laughing way. If, however, you think he can at all serve you, give him all your confidence." "No, no, never," I replied with quickness; "it is not a thing to be done lightly; we do not select a confidant, counsellor, or friend, at random. Do you not know this, M. le duc? It is requisite that the heart of the one who speaks should repose itself on the heart of the friend who listens. I repeat to you that I have no feeling of confidence towards M. de Soubise. In fact," I added with visible and troubled emotion, "my choice is made, and you have too much heroism to wish to combat it."