“You cannot conceal from yourself,” he said, “how powerful will be the cabal against you; and, without including the Choiseuls, you will have especially to fear the pious party, who will only see in your intimacy with the king, allow me to say, a crying scandal, and one not profitable for religion.” “If the pious party unite with those who are not so to destroy me,” I rejoined, laughing, “I shall have all France against me.” “No; but perhaps all the château. But there is a way of averting the storm. Attach yourself to the party of honest men who have been so greatly calumniated--the Jesuits. Philosophy, supported by the duc de Choiseul, has repressed them; but the high clergy and the _mesdames royales_ are attached strongly to them, and you would interest them in your fortune by favoring these worthy fathers.” “What! monsieur le duc,” cried I, “will _messeigneurs_ the clergy of France, and _mesdames royales_ and their suite be favorable to me, if I use my influence with the king in espousing the cause of the society of Jesus?” “Certainly, madame, and I am authorized to promise you. I give you my word for this. Endeavor to re-establish the order, and there will not be one of us but will be zealous in supporting you.” “I certainly am desirous of pleasing your friends; but I can see that, from the first moment of my appearance at court, I shall be at open war with the Choiseuls and the parliaments.” “What matters it? I confess that the victory will not be easy at first, but there is no need to exaggerate the difficulties. It is true that the king has esteem for the duc de Choiseul, but he has much affection for you, which avails much more. “As for the parliaments, he hates them, and for many years has been desirous of ridding himself of them entirely, and he will effect this by the help of God and your interference.” “This will be hard work for one so weak as I am.” “Oh, you are sufficiently powerful, I assure you. Only confide in me, the intermediary between you and my friends, let me guide you, and I will steer to the right port. What do you think of this, madame?” “Oh! monsieur le duc, it is not at a moment that we can give a positive reply to such grave matters. I content myself in assuring you, that I have for you as much confidence as respect, and should be very happy to obtain your protection.” “My protection! Oh, heaven, madame, you are jesting. It is I who should be honored by your friendship.” “It is yours; but as yet I am nothing at court, and can do nothing there until I have been presented. It is for my speedy presentation that my friends should labor now.” “We will not fail, madame; and if you will allow me to come from time to time to converse with you, we can take our measures.” “Your visits will always be agreeable.”