"Expect nothing from the prince de Soubise: he will speak, no
doubt; but how? In a jesting, laughing way. If, however, you
think he can at all serve you, give him all your confidence."

"No, no, never," I replied with quickness; "it is not a thing to be
done lightly; we do not select a confidant, counsellor, or friend,
at random. Do you not know this, M. le duc? It is requisite that
the heart of the one who speaks should repose itself on the heart
of the friend who listens. I repeat to you that I have no feeling of
confidence towards M. de Soubise. In fact," I added with visible
and troubled emotion, "my choice is made, and you have too much
heroism to wish to combat it."

At these flattering words the duke precipitated himself at my feet,
and swore to support my cause with all his power and interest. I
replied that I fully relied on his devotion and prudence. Comte
Jean entered, and it was agreed between us three that I should say
no more to the king of my presentation before the duc d'Aiguillon
had spoken to him of it; that I should content myself with
complaining without peevishness, and that we should leave the
opening measure to the prince de Soubise, and let him break the
ice to his majesty.

The prince de Soubise behaved exactly as the duke had told me: he
came to me the next morning with a mysterious air, which already
informed me of all he had to say. He said that he had vainly
tormented the king; that his majesty wished things to remain just
as they were, and desired that until a new order of things nothing
should be altered.