That was just what I wanted.  I replied that there was only one course open to him, and that was to have an interview with the King early the next morning; to say to him, that he had been informed Harcourt was about to enter the Council; that he thought the affairs of State would suffer rather than otherwise if Harcourt did so; and finally, to allude to the change that had taken place in the King’s manner towards him lately, and to say, with all respect, affection, and submission, that he was equally ready to continue serving the King or to give up his appointments, as his Majesty might desire.

M. de Beauvilliers took pleasure in listening to me.  He embraced me closely, and promised to follow the course I had marked out.

The next morning I went straight to him, and learned that he had perfectly succeeded.  He had spoken exactly as I had suggested.  The King appeared astonished and piqued that the secret of Harcourt’s entry into the Council was discovered.  He would not hear a word as to resignation of office on the part of M. de Beauvilliers, and appeared more satisfied with him than ever.  Whether, without this interview, he would have been lost, I know not, but by the coldness and embarrassment of the King before that interview, and during the first part of it, I am nearly persuaded that he would.  M. de Beauvilliers embraced me again very tenderly—­more than once.

As for Harcourt, sure of his good fortune, and scarcely able to contain his joy, he arrived at the meeting place.  Time ran on.  During the Council there are only the most subaltern people in the antechambers and a few courtiers who pass that way to go from one wing to another.  Each of these subalterns eagerly asked M. d’Harcourt what he wanted, if he wished for anything, and importuned him strongly.  He was obliged to remain there, although he had no pretext.  He went and came, limping with his stick, not knowing what to reply to the passers-by, or the attendants by whom he was remarked.  At last, after waiting long, he returned as he came, much disturbed at not having been called.  He sent word so to Madame de Maintenon, who, in her turn, was as much disturbed, the King not having said a word to her, and she not having dared to say a word to him.  She consoled Harcourt, hoping that at the next Council he would be called.  At her wish he waited again, as before, during another Council, but with as little success.  He was very much annoyed, comprehending that the affair had fallen through.

Madame de Maintenon did not, however, like to be defeated in this way.  After waiting some time she spoke to the King, reminding him what he had promised to do.  The King replied in confusion that he had thought better of it; that Harcourt was on bad terms with all the Ministers, and might, if admitted to the Council, cause them much embarrassment; he preferred, therefore, things to remain as they were.  This was said in a manner that admitted of no reply.