such a dangerous madman, and to avoid committing herself in any way with him.  The worst was, that after this he threatened and said many things against Nangis, as a man with whom he was deeply offended, and whom he meant to call to account.  Although he gave no reason for this, the reason was only too evident.  The fear of Madame de Bourgogne at this may be imagined, and also that of Nangis.  He was brave and cared for nobody; but to be mixed up in such an affair as this made him quake with fright.  He beheld his fortune and his happiness in the hands of a furious madman.  He shunned Maulevrier from that time as much as possible, showed himself but little, and held his peace.

For six weeks Madame de Bourgogne lived in the most measured manner, and in mortal tremors of fear, without, however, anything happening.  I know not who warned Tesse of what was going on.  But when he learnt it he acted like a man of ability.  He persuaded his son-in-law, Maulevrier, to follow him to Spain, as to a place where his fortune was assured to him.  He spoke to Fagon, who saw all and knew all.  He understood matters in a moment, and at once said, that as so many remedies had been tried ineffectually for Maulevrier, he must go to a warmer climate, as a winter in France would inevitably kill him.  It was then as a remedy, and as people go to the waters, that he went to Spain.  The King and all the Court believed this, and neither the King nor Madame de Maintenon offered any objections.  As soon as Tesse knew this he hurried his son-in-law out of the realm, and so put a stop to his follies and the mortal fear they had caused.  To finish this adventure at once, although it will lead me far beyond the date of other matters to be spoken of after, let me say what became of Maulevrier after this point of the narrative.

He went first to Spain with Tesse.  On the way they had an interview with Madame des Ursins, and succeeded in gaining her favour so completely, that, upon arriving at Madrid, the King and Queen of Spain, informed of this, welcomed them with much cordiality.  Maulevrier soon became a great favourite with the Queen of Spain.  It has been said, that he wished to please her, and that he succeeded.  At all events he often had long interviews with her in private, and these made people think and talk.

Maulevrier began to believe it time to reap after having so well sown.  He counted upon nothing less than being made grandee of Spain, and would have obtained this favour but for his indiscretion.  News of what was in store for him was noised abroad.  The Duc de Grammont, then our ambassador at Madrid, wrote word to the King of the rumours that were in circulation of Maulevrier’s audacious conduct towards the Queen of Spain, and of the reward it was to meet with.  The King at once sent a very strong letter to the King of Spain about Maulevrier, who, by the same courier, was prohibited from accepting any favour that might be offered him.  He was