was a beautiful convent, we all resolved to visit it.  She then begged to go with us, as she said she had an aunt in that convent, and as it was not easy to gain admission into it, except in the company of persons of distinction.  Accordingly, she went with us; and there being six of us, the carriage was crowded.  Over and above those I have mentioned, there was Madame de Curton, the lady of my bed-chamber, who always attended me.  Liancourt, first esquire to the King, and Camille placed themselves on the steps of Torigni’s carriage, supporting themselves as well as they were able, making themselves merry on the occasion, and saying they would go and see the handsome nuns, too.  I look upon it as ordered by Divine Providence that I should have Mademoiselle de Montigny with me, who was not well acquainted with any lady of the company, and that the two gentlemen just mentioned, who were in the confidence of King Henri, should likewise be of the party, as they were able to clear me of the calumny intended, to be fixed upon me.

Whilst we were viewing the convent, my carriage waited for us in the square.  In the square many gentlemen belonging to the Court had their lodgings.  My carriage was easily to be distinguished, as it was gilt and lined with yellow velvet trimmed with silver.  We had not come out of the convent when the King passed through the square on his way to see Quelus, who was then sick.  He had with him the King my husband, D’O——­, and the fat fellow Ruffe.

The King, observing no one in my carriage, turned to my husband and said:  “There is your wife’s coach, and that is the house where Bide lodges.  Bide is sick, and I will engage my word she is gone upon a visit to him.  Go,” said he to Ruffe, “and see whether she is not there.”  In saying this, the King addressed himself to a proper tool for his malicious purpose, for this fellow Ruffe was entirely devoted to Le Guast.  I need not tell you he did not find me there; however, knowing the King’s intention, he, to favour it, said loud enough for the King my husband to hear him:  “The birds have been there, but they are now flown.”  This furnished sufficient matter for conversation until they reached home.

Upon this occasion, the King my husband displayed all the good sense and generosity of temper for which he is remarkable.  He saw through the design, and he despised the maliciousness of it.  The King my brother was anxious to see the Queen my mother before me, to whom he imparted the pretended discovery, and she, whether to please a son on whom she doted, or whether she really gave credit to the story had related it to some ladies with much seeming anger.

Soon afterwards I returned with the ladies who had accompanied me to St. Pierre’s, entirely ignorant of what had happened.  I found the King my husband in our apartments, who began to laugh on seeing me, and said:  “Go immediately to the Queen your mother, but I promise you you will not return very well pleased.”  I asked him the reason, and what had happened.  He answered:  “I shall tell you nothing; but be assured of this, that I do not give the least credit to the story, which I plainly perceive to be fabricated in order to stir up a difference betwixt us two, and break off the friendly intercourse between your brother and me.”