‘... Last Monday, I made an affidavit at the King’s Bench against M. de Guerchy, and proved by his words and certain circumstances to which I swore, that he ordered me to assassinate M. D’Eon, assuring me that the opium he had caused to be given to him at dinner, on Friday, October 28, had had no effect. This circumstance was made known at the time by M. D’Eon’s complaint to his Excellency himself, that he had been poisoned at his table. In meeting this charge by saying that I am mad, that I have lost my senses, M. de Guerchy condemns himself, and if I am flattered at the compliment, believe, sir, in my regret at not being able to return it. I show myself in London publicly. I am to be seen everywhere, at the promenades, at the play, in coffee-houses; yet M. de Guerchy does not sue me before the law. Do you know, sir, the reason why? Because by the law of retaliation and English justice, M. de Guerchy not having it by any means in his power to convict me of making false statements, would have the honour of being sent to the pillory and transported, were he to accuse me of perjury.’[209] De Guerchy’s hour of retribution was at hand, and the Chevalier was satisfied. Louis XV., ever selfish and unconcerned, but ill concealed his uneasiness at the serious aspect of affairs, and gladly approved of the Count de Broglio’s offer to proceed to London and bring D’Eon to his senses, to arrange with him for the surrender of the compromising papers, and mediate between him and his tormentor. One difficulty presented itself to the King, who asked Tercier: ‘On what plea is the despatch of the Count de Broglio to England to be proposed to M. de Praslin?’—but ere this new design could be matured it had to be abandoned, an awkward incident that had the effect of seriously disturbing the King’s equanimity, having well-nigh led to disclosures which would certainly have unravelled the mystery of the long- and well-maintained secret. [Sidenote: THE SECRET CORRESPONDENCE IN DANGER.]