104 MEMOIRS OF THE DUKE OF SAINT-SIMON'.

The latter had asked him a favour, and had been refused even,
with contempt. Various advances at reconciliation she made
were also repulsed with contumely. Yet every one, even the
Duchesse de Bourgogne, crawled before this creature—the
favourite of the heir to the throne! Madame de Maintenon
actually caused the King to offer her apartments at Versailles,
which she refused, for fear of losing the liberty she enjoyed at
Meudon. D'Antin, who saw all that was going on, became the
soul of a conspiracy against Chamillart. It was infinitely well
managed. Everything moved in order and harmony— always
prudently, always knowingly.

The King, quietly attacked on all hands, was shaken; but
he had many reasons for sticking to Chamillart. He was his
own choice. No minister had stood aside so completely, and
allowed the Bong to receive all the praise of whatever was
done. Though the King's reason was, therefore, soon influ-
enced, his heart was not so easily. But Madame de Maintenon
was not discouraged. Monseigneur, urged by Mademoiselle
Choiu, had already spoken out to the King. She laboured to
make him speak again; for, on the previous occasion, he had
been listened to attentively.

So many machines could not be set in motion without some
noise being heard abroad. There rose in the Court, I know
not what confused murmurs, the origin of which could not be
pointed out, publishing that either the State or Chamillart
must perish; that already his ignorance had brought the king-
dom within an ace of destruction; that it was a miracle this
destruction had not yet come to pass; and that it would be
madness to tempt Providence any longer. Some did not blush
to abuse him; others praised his intentions, and spoke with
moderation of faults that many people reproached him bitterly
with. All, admitted his rectitude, but maintained that a suc-
cessor of som6 kind or other was absolutely necessary. Some,
believing or trying to persuade others that they carried friend-
ship to as far a-point as was possible, protested that they
should ever preserve this friendship, and would never forget
the pleasure and the services that they had received from