the term he used) which had thrown him into such a rage that he had been unable to eat:  that such an enterprise would have been insupportable in a woman of the highest quality; but coming, as it did, from a mere bourgeoise, it had so affected him, that ten times he had been upon the point of making her leave the table, and that he was only restrained by consideration for her husband.  After this outbreak he made a long discourse upon the genealogy of Madame de Torcy’s family, and other matters; and then, to the astonishment of all present, grew as angry as ever against Madame de Torcy.  He went off then into a discourse upon the dignity of the Dukes, and in conclusion, he charged the Princesses to tell Madame de Torcy to what extent he had found her conduct impertinent.  The Princesses looked at each other, and not one seemed to like this commission; whereupon the King, growing more angry, said; that it must be undertaken however, and left the robes; The news of what had taken place, and of the King’s choler, soon spread all over the Court.  It was believed, however, that all was over, and that no more would be heard of the matter.  Yet the very same evening the King broke out again with even more bitterness than before.  On the morrow, too, surprise was great indeed, when it was found that the King, immediately after dinner, could talk of nothing but this subject, and that, too, without any softening of tone.  At last he was assured that Madame de Torcy had been spoken to, and this appeased him a little.  Torcy was obliged to write him a letter, apologising for the fault of Madame de Torcy; and the King at this grew content.  It may be imagined what a sensation this adventure produced all through the Court.

While upon the subject of the King, let me relate an anecdote of him, which should have found a place ere this.  When M. d’Orleans was about to start for Spain, he named the officers who were to be of his suite.  Amongst others was Fontpertius.  At that name the King put on a serious look.

“What! my nephew,” he said.  “Fontpertius! the son of a Jansenist—­of that silly woman who ran everywhere after M. Arnould!  I do not wish that man to go with you.”

“By my faith, Sire,” replied the Duc d’Orleans, “I know not what the mother has done; but as for the son, he is far enough from being a Jansenist, I’ll answer for it; for he does not believe in God.”

“Is it possible, my nephew?” said the King, softening.

“Nothing more certain, Sire, I assure you.”

“Well, since it is so,” said the King, “there is no harm:  you can take him with you.”