DISGRACE OF M. D'OBL^AKS. 101

who supported him were clearly shown. The King would not
listen to anything in favour of his nephew.

The whole Court cried out against M. d'Qrl&ms; never was
such an uproar heard. He was accused of plotting to over-
throw tho King of Spain, he, a Prince of the blood, and so
closely allied to the two crowns! Monseignour, usually so
plunged in apathy, roused himself to fury against M. d'Orlcans,
and insisted upon nothing loss than a criminal prosecution. Ho
insisted so strongly upon this, that tho King at last consented
that it should take place, and gave orders to tho chancellor to
examine tho forma requisite in such a case. While the chancellor
was about this work, I wont to see him one day, and repre-
sented to him soHtrongly, that M. d'Orldans'misdemeanour did
not concern France at all, and could only bo judged before a
Spanish tribunal, that the idea of a criminal trial wan altogether
abandoned almost immediately after. M. d'Orl&ins was allowed
to remain in peace,

Madame dos U'rsins and Madame do Maintonon had BO far
triumphed, however, that M. d'Orl&ms found himself plunged
in the deepest disgrace. He was universally shunned. When-
ever he appeared, people flew away, so that they might not be
seen in communication with him. His solitude was so great, that
for a whole month only one friend entered hie house. In the
midst of this desertion, he had no resource but debauchery, and
the society of his mistress, Madame d'Argenton. The disorder
and scandal of his life had for a long time offended the King,
the Court, and the public. They now unhappily confirmed
everybody in the bad opinion they had formed of him. That
the long disgrace he suffered continued to confirm him in, his
Toad habits, and that it explains to some extent his after-conduct,
there can be no doubt. But I must leave him now, and return
to other matters.