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I was then a constant visitor of Madame de Blansac, at Paris, and of the Marechale de Rochefort, at Versailles; and, through them and several other ladies of the Court, with whom I was intimate, I learnt, day by day, everything that passed.
Madame de Bearn was compelled to submit to the ascendancy of the marechale, but yet did not the less relax in her efforts to keep from me all other female society, she hoped that at last the king would distinguish her, and call her into his intimacy as my friend; she was not more fond of the comtesse d'Aloigny, altho' the nullity of this lady need not have alarmed her much.
This went so far that the Marechale, not being able to stand it any longer, demanded an audience of the King, admitted her weakness and her shame, and implored his protection. The King kindly promised to set matters to rights. He soundly rated Saint-Ruth in his cabinet, and forbade him to ill-treat the Marechale. But what is bred in the bone will never get out of the flesh.
"You have some sense, I observe." "But I can live without an establishment. A position is open to Germain in the provinces as Commandant of a school," Cyrène exclaimed. Madame uttered an exclamation so energetic, and she rose so fiercely from her chair that Cyrène stopped in dismay. "Saints of heaven!" went on the Maréchale, "is the family on the brink of a catastrophe?
I fully agreed with the good-natured marechale; and, when I bade the sorrowful madame de Valentinois good night, I assured her I would implore his majesty to repair the mischief my presence had caused.
It will not be forgotten, that it was under cover of the Marechale that a natural child was first legitimated without naming the mother, in order that by this example, the King's natural children might be similarly honoured, without naming Madame de Montespan, as I have related in its place.
Then I asked for the Marechale de Rochefort, and after a time she arrived, hobbling along with her stick. I disputed with her, wishing to see Madame Sforze, who was not to be found. I was anxious at all events to go to her room and wait, but the inexorable Marechale pulled me by the arm, asking what news I brought. Worn out at last, I said, "News? news that you are acquainted with."
"Let us turn this way," said the countess to me, "here comes one of our enemies, whom it would be as well to avoid." "Why turn away?" I replied; "she is alone, we are two, and then the marechale de Mirepoix is not opposed to us." Saying this, I advanced towards them.
"You have not, then," said Madame de Maintenon, "decided on the length of your stay in France?" "No," said I, and my answer was regulated by my desire to see how far I might rely on the services of one who expressed herself so warm a friend of that excellent woman, Madame la Marechale, "no, Madame.
I signified to the king my intention of passing a couple of days with the marechale, and accordingly set out for that purpose. Upon my arrival at Paris I merely changed horses, and proceeded onwards with all possible despatch to rejoin the marechale, who was quite taken by surprise at my unexpected arrival.
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