“As to the selection of an ambassador,” I interrupted, “I beg it may not fall on M. de Roquelaure; he has been working against me for some time.” “Why not send M. de Jarente?” inquired the king. “Ah, sire,” replied the duke, “because we cannot trust him; he is a gay fellow. Madame Sophie might tell him, that he only took the part of madame du Barry, because he passes his life amongst petticoats.” “True enough,” said the king, “I prefer the duc de la Vauguyon: he has a good reputation--” “And well deserved,” said the old maréchal, sneering. “Yes, sire, he is a pious man; at least, he plays his part well.” “Peace, viper; you spare nobody.” “Sire, I am only taking my revenge.” “Why do you not like the governor of my grandsons?” “In truth, sire, I must confess to you, that except yourself and the ladies, I have not many likings at Versailles.” Louis XV smiled, and I pulled the bell; when a valet appeared, I said, “Go and find M. de la Vauguyon for his majesty.” When we were alone, “What, already?” said Louis XV. “Madame is right,” replied the duke, “we must strike while the iron is hot.” The king began to pace up and down the room, which was his invariable custom when anything disturbed him: then suddenly stopping, “I should not be astonished at a point blank refusal from M. de la Vauguyon.” “Oh, sire, make yourself easy; the governor has no inclination to follow the steps of Montausier or Beauvilliers. In truth you are very candid; and I must tell you, that you have too good an opinion of us.” At this moment M. de la Vauguyon entered. He saluted the king with humility; and asked him, in a mild tone of voice, what his pleasure was with him. “A real mark of your zeal,” was the king’s reply. “And of your gallantry,” added the maréchal, who saw the hesitation of the king. Louis XV was enchanted that another should speak for him. M. de Richelieu continued: “His majesty, monsieur le duc, wishes that you should prepare mesdames to receive our dear countess here, when she shall appear before them to pay the homage of her respect and devotion.” The king, emboldened by these words, said, “Yes, my dear duke, I can only find you in the château who have any influence over the princesses, my daughters. They have much respect, and no less friendship, for you. You will easily bring them to reason.” As M. de la Vauguyon seemed in no hurry to undertake the charge, the maréchal added, “Yes, sir, to manage this business properly, you and M. de Senlis are the only men in the kingdom.” The maréchal had his reasons for saying this, for a secret jealousy existed between the governor and the grand almoner. M. de la Vauguyon made haste to say, that he could not resist his majesty’s orders, and his desire to be agreeable to me. “Ah! you will then do something for me?” I replied. “I am delighted and proud.” “Madame,” replied the duke with much gravity, “friends are proved on occasion.”