84 MEMOIRS OF THE DUKE OF SAINT-SIMON.

ceived, for his glance was most searching, that one window was
a trifle narrower than the others. He showed it to Louvois,
in order that it might be altered, which, as it was not then
finished, was easy to do. Louvois sustained that the window
was all right. The King insisted then, and on the morrow also,
but Louvois, pig-headed and inflated with his authority, would
not yield.

The next day the Kong saw Le Notre in the gallery. Al-
though his trade was gardens rather than houses, the King did
not fail to consult him upon the latter. He asked him if he
had been to Trianon. Le Notre replied that he had not. The
King ordered him to go. On the morrow he saw Le Notre
again; same question, same answer. The King comprehended
the reason of this, and a little annoyed, commanded him to be
there that afternoon at a given time. Le Notre did not dare
to disobey this time. The King arrived, and Louvois being
present, they returned to the subject of the window, which
Louvois obstinately said was as broad as the rest. The King
wished Le Notre to measure it, for he knew, that, upright and
true, he would openly say what he found. Louvois piqued,
grew angry. The King, who was not less so, allowed him to
say his say. Le Notre, meanwhile, did not stir. At last, the
King made him go, Louvois still grumbling, and maintaining
his assertion with audacity and little measure. Le Notre
.measured the window, and said that the King was right by
Several inches. Louvois still wished to argue, but the King-
silenced him, and commanded him to see that the window was
altered at once, contrary to custom abusing him most harshly.

What annoyed Louvois most was, that this scene passed not
only before all the officers of the buildings, but in presence of
all wbo followed the King in his promenades, nobles, courtiers,
officer^ of the guard, and others, even all the rolete. The
dressing given to Louvois was smart and long, mixed with re-
flectionA upon the fault of this window, which, not noticed so
—~ ', have spoiled all the faxjade, and compelled it to be

who was not accustomed to be thus treated, re-

soon,
re-built.
Louvoi