with a pair of ruby ear-rings surrounded with diamonds, and this
short billet: --

"Yes, assuredly you are my pet ewe, and always shall
be. The shepherd has a strong crook with which he
will drive away those who would injure you. Rely on
your shepherd for the care of your tranquillity, and
the peace of your future life."

In the evening the king visited me. He was embarrassed, but I set
him at ease by showing him a laughing countenance, talking only
of his present, which I had in my ears, and shaking my head about
to keep the drops in motion, which sparkled with great brilliancy.
He was pleased at this, and did not leave me all the evening. In
the morning we were the best friends in the world.

Some days elapsed, when comte Jean came to me, bringing two
infamous articles which had appeared in the ","
and were directed against me. They were atrocious and deeply
chagrined me: I placed them on the mantel-piece, where all who
came in could see them. The duc de Duras read them, and said,
"Conceal these atrocities from the king."

"No," was my reply, "I wish him to read them, that he may know
how his affections are respected, and how the police of Paris are
employed in doing their duty to the throne."

These last words annoyed M. de Duras, between whom and M. de
Sartines there was a connection: the duke was indebted to the
lieutenant-general of police for the special surveillance which he