BADGER OF M. DE BE1FVILLIEBS. 87

the express commands of the King. I knew it, however, just
before it was to he executed, and I saw at once that the day of
Harcourt's entry into the Council would be the day of M. de
Beauvilliers' disgrace. I sent, therefore, at once for M. de
Beauvilliers, begging him to come to my house immediately,
and that I would then tell him why I could not come to
him. Without great precaution everything becomes known at
Court.

In less than half an hour M. de Beauvilliers arrived, tolerably
disturbed at my message. I asked Mm if he knew anything,
and I turned him about, less to pump him than to make him
ashamed of his ignorance, and to persuade him the better after-
wards to do what I wished. When I had well trotted out his
ignorance, I apprised him of what I had just learnt. He was
astounded; he so little expected it! I had not much trouble
to persuade him that, although his expulsion might not yet be
determined on, the intrusion of Harcourt must pave the way
for it. He admitted to me that for some days he had found the
King cold and embarrassed with him, but that he had paid
little attention to the circumstance, the reason of which was
now clear. There was no time to lose. In twenty-four hours
all would be over. I therefore took the liberty in the first
instance of scolding him for his profound ignorance of what
passed at the Court, and was bold enough to say to him that
he had only to thank himself for the situation he found
himself in. He let me say to the end without growing angry,
then smiled, and said, "Well! what do you think I ought
to do?"

That was just what I wanted. I replied that there was only
one course open to Mm, and that was to have an interview with
the King early the next morning; to say to him, that he had
been informed Harcourt was about to enter the Council; that
he thought the affairs of State would suffer rather than other-
wise if Harcourt did so; and finally, to allude to the change
that had taken place in the King's manner towards him
lately, and to say, with all respect, affection, and sub-
mission, that he was equally ready to continue serving the