Soon after, M. le Duc d’Orleans went aside with Mademoiselle, and I found myself placed accidentally near Madame de Fontaine-Martel.  She was a great friend of mine, and much attached to M. d’Orleans; and it was by her means that I had become friendly with the Duke.  She felt at once that something was going on; and did not doubt that the marriage of Mademoiselle was on the carpet.  She said so, but I did not answer, yet without assuming an air of reserve that would have convinced her.  Taking her text from the presence of M. le Duc d’Orleans with Mademoiselle, she said to me confidentially, that it would be well to hasten this marriage if it was possible, because all sorts of horrible things were invented to prevent it; and without waiting to be too much pressed, she told me that the most abominable stories were in circulation as to the friendship of father and daughter.  The hair of my head stood on end.  I now felt more heavily than ever with what demons we had to do; and how necessary it was to hurry on matters.  For this reason, after we had walked about a good deal after dark, I again spoke with M. d’Orleans, and told him that if, before the end of this voyage to Marly, he did not carry the declaration of his daughter’s marriage, it would never take place.

I persuaded him; and left him more animated and encouraged than I had seen him.  He amused himself I know not in what other part of the house.  I then talked a little with Madame de Mare, my relation and friend, until I was told that Madame de Fontaine-Martel wished to speak to me in the chateau.  When I went there I was taken to the cabinet of the Duchesse d’Orleans, when I learnt that she had just been made acquainted with the abominable reports spread against her husband and daughter.  We deplored together the misfortune of having to do with such furies.  The Duchess protested that there was not even any seeming in favour of these calumnies.  The Duke had ever tenderly loved his daughter from the age of two years, when he was nearly driven to despair by a serious illness she had, during which he watched her night and day; and this tenderness had gone on increasing day by day, so that he loved her more than his son.  We agreed that it would be cruel, wicked, and dangerous to tell M. d’Orleans what was said.

At length the decisive blow was struck.  The King had an interview with Monseigneur; and told him he had determined on the marriage, begging him to make up his mind as soon as possible.  The declaration was soon made.  What must have been the state of Madame la Duchesse!  I never knew what took place in her house at this strange moment; and would have dearly paid for a hiding-place behind the tapestry.  As for Monseigneur, as soon as his original repugnance was overcome, and he saw that it was necessary to comply, he behaved very well.  He received the Duc and Duchesse d’Orleans very well, and kissed her and drank their health and that of all the family cheerfully.  They were extremely delighted and surprised.