The Duc du Maine fancied that, since he had succeeded in getting himself declared a Prince of the blood, he should not find it difficult on that account to attain the royal dignity, and that he could easily arrange everything with respect to my son and the other Princes of the blood.  For this reason he and the old woman industriously circulated the report that my son had poisoned the Dauphine and the Duc de Berri.  The Duc du Maine was instigated by Madame de Montespan and Madame de Maintenon to report things secretly to the King; at first for the purpose of making him bark like a cur at all whom they disliked, and afterwards for the King’s diversion, and to make themselves beloved by him.

These bastards are of so bad a disposition that God knows who was their father.

Yesterday the Parliament presented its remonstrance to my, son.  It is not difficult to guess whence this affair proceeds.  They were closeted for four hours together with the Duc and Duchesse du Maine, who had the Councillors brought thither in their coach, and attended by their own livery servants (20th June, 1718).

I believe that my son is only, restrained from acting rigorously against the Duc du Maine because he fears the tears and anger of his wife; and, in the second place, he, has an affection for his other brother-in-law, the Comte de Toulouse.

That old woman must surely think herself immortal, for she still hopes to reign, though at the age of eighty-three years.  The Duc du Maine’s affair is a severe blow for her.  She is, nevertheless, not without hope, and it is said not excessively grieved.  This fills me with anxiety, for I know too well how expert the wicked old hussy is in the use of poison.

The first President of Mesmes ought to be friendly towards the Duc du Maine, to whom he is indebted for the office he holds.  The Duke keeps all his places; as to that of Grand Master of Artillery, they could not take it away unless they had proceeded to extremities with him.

The Duke became so devout in his prison, and during Passion week he fasted so rigorously, that he fell sick in consequence.  He says that he is innocent and that he has gained heaven by the purity of his conduct; this renders him gay and contented.  He is not, besides, of a sorrowful temper, but, on the contrary, is fond of jests and merry tales.  He does not speak ill of persons publicly; it was only to the King he used to denounce them.

Yesterday my son was requested to permit the Duc du Maine to be reconciled with his wife.  His answer was, “They might have been reconciled without speaking to me about it, for whether they become friends again or not, I know what to think of them.”

SECTION XXXIX.—­THE DUCHESSE DU MAINE, LOUISE-BENOITE, DAUGHTER OF HENRI-JULES DE CONDE.

[Illustration:  Duchesse du Maine—­314]

Madame du Maine is not taller than a child ten years old, and is not well made.  To appear tolerably well, it is necessary for her to keep her mouth shut; for when she opens it, she opens it very wide, and shows her irregular teeth.  She is not very stout, uses a great quantity of paint, has fine eyes, a white skin, and fair hair.  If she were well disposed, she might pass, but her wickedness is insupportable.