related them well, and we were all in the humor to be pleased,
and laughed heartily at what he said. Comte Jean, whose eye
constantly followed me, appeared perfectly satisfied with all I
said or did. As for the king, he seemed enchanted with me, and
seemed wholly occupied in watching my looks, that he might
anticipate my wants. After supper, in the < tete-a-tete > which
followed, he explained himself in terms which left me no doubt
how securely my empire over him was established. Had he been
less explicit on the subject, the flattering marks of favor, and
the adulatory compliments I received from all on the following
day, would well have assured me of it. I was no longer an obscure
and friendless individual, but the beloved mistress of the king;
I was, to use the expression of Lebel, a new sun which had arisen
to illumine horizon of Versailles. I could no longer doubt my
power when I saw noble personages present themselves to solicit
the most servile employments about my person. Amongst others, I
might instance a certain lady de St. Benoit, who continued first
lady of my chamber, during the whole time of my regency;--my
justly-valued Henriette being contented to take the second place
of honor.



CHAPTER IV


The duc d'Aiguillon--The duc de Fronsac--The duchesse de
Grammont--The meeting--Sharp words on both sides--The duc de
Choiseul--Mesdames d'Aiguillon--Letter from the duc d'Aiguillon--
Reply of madame du Barry--Mademoiselle Guimard--The prince de