to be one of the expected guests, had ushered him in.
However, I would not permit him to go until the king's
arrival; and, half sportively, half seriously, I took from
him his letters, protesting I would detain them as hostages
for his obedience to my desires. At this moment Louis
XV. entered the room; and M. d'Oigny, having briefly
stated his business, bowed and departed. The baron was
a very excellent man, possessing an extensive and intel-
ligent mind; he wrote very pleasing poetry, and had not
his attention been occupied by the post he filled, he might
have made a conspicuous figure in literature.

When we were left to ourselves, I said to the king,

"Now, then, for this interesting and amusing budget;
for such, I doubt not, it will prove."

"Not so fast, madam, if you please," replied Louis
XV.; "perhaps these papers may contain state secrets
unfit for your eye."

"Great secrets they must be," said I, laughing, "confided
thus to the carelessness of the post." So saying, I broke
the seal of the envelope so hastily, that the greater part
of the letters and notes were scattered over the carpet.

"Well done," cried the king.

"I entreat your majesty's pardon," said I, "but I will
repair the mischief as far as I can."

I stooped to collect the fallen papers, and the king
had the gallantry to assist me: we soon piled the various
letters upon a tray, and began eagerly to glance over
their contents. My good fortune made me select from
the mass those epistles addressed to the members of the
country parliaments; they were filled with invectives
against me, insulting mention of the king, and praises
of the duc de Choiseul. I took especial care to read them
in a loud and distinct voice.

"This really is not to be endured," cried Louis XV.;
"that the mistaken zeal of these long-robed gentlemen
should make them thus compliment my minister at my
expense."

"So much the worse for you, sire," replied I, "consider-
ing that you continue to prefer your minister to every
other consideration."

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