justly proud, as it subdued to my chains the most accomplished
of courtiers.

Our first interview was lively. The marechal and he supported
the conversation with much gaiety. M. de Richelieu, as I have
already told you, had neither wit nor information, but possessed
that ease of the first circles, those manners of high breeding,
those courtly graces, which often surpass wit and information.

"My nephew," said he to the duke, "madame can do much for us,
but we must first do something for her. Without support, without
friends, she will be lost at Versailles; let us be her partisans
if she will allow it, and let her youth have the benefit of
our experience."

The tone in which the duc d'Aiguillon replied delighted me. He
said he was but too happy to serve me, and begged me to rely on
him as I would on myself.

"But," he continued, "but we have to struggle with a powerful
party. The duchesse de Grammont and her brother are not the
persons to give up the field without striking a blow. But, madame,
by the assistance of your happy and lovely star, I will enter the
lists with pleasure, and if a glance of your eyes will recompense
a conqueror, I shall be he."

"Oh," exclaimed the duke, "my nephew's a second Amadis in
gallantry, and of undaunted courage. You will be satisfied
with him, madame, much more than with my son, who only
resembles the family in his defects."