A more solid gratification to us were the kind things Madame des Ursins said in our behalf to the King and Madame de Maintenon.  She spoke in the highest praise of Madame de Saint-Simon, and declared that there was no woman at Court so fitting as she, so expressly made by her virtue, good conduct, and ability, to be lady of the Palace, or even lady-of-honour to Madame la Duchesse de Bourgogne, should the post become vacant.  Madame des Ursins did not forget me; but a woman was more susceptible of her praise.  It made, therefore, all the more impression.  This kind manner towards us did not change during all her stay at Court.

At all the balls which Madame des Ursins attended, she was treated with much distinction, and at one she obtained permission for the Duc and Duchesse d’Albe to be present, but with some little trouble.  I say with some little trouble, because no ambassador, no foreigner, had ever, with one exception, been admitted to Marly.  It was a great favour, therefore, for Madame des Ursins to obtain.  The King, too, treated the Duc and Duchesse d’Albe, throughout the evening with marked respect, and placed the latter in the most distinguished position, not only in the ball-room but at supper.  When he went to bed, too, he gave the Duc d’Albe his candlestick; an honour the importance of which I have already described.

At the other balls Madame des Ursins seated herself near the Grand Chamberlain, and looked at everybody with her lorgnette.  At every moment the King turned round to speak to her and Madame de Maintenon, who came for half an hour or so to these balls, and on her account displaced the Grand Chamberlain, who put himself behind her.  In this manner she joined Madame des Ursins, and was close to the King—­the conversation between the three being continual.  What appeared extremely singular was to see Madame des Ursins in the salon with a little spaniel in her arms, as though she had been in her own house.  People could not sufficiently express their astonishment at a familiarity which even Madame la Duchesse de Bourgogne would not have dared to venture; still less could they do so when they saw the King caress this little dog over and over again.  In fine, such a high flight has never been seen.  People could not accustom themselves to it, and those who knew the King and his Court are surprised still, when they think of it, after so many years.  There was no longer any doubt that Madame des Ursins would return into Spain.  All her frequent private conversations with the King and Madame de Maintenon were upon that country.  I will only add here that her return took place in due time; and that her influence became more paramount than ever.

CHAPTER XXIX