D’Argenson, who questioned the Cordelier several times, and carried his replies daily to the King, was sufficiently adroit to pay his court to M. d’Orleans, by telling him that the prisoner had uttered nothing which concerned him, and by representing the services he did M. d’Orleans with the King.  Like a sagacious man, D’Argenson saw the madness of popular anger devoid of all foundation, and which could not hinder M. d’Orleans from being a very considerable person in France, during a minority that—­the age of the King showed to be pretty near.  He took care, therefore, to avail himself of the mystery which surrounded his office, to ingratiate himself more and more with M. d’Orleans, whom he had always carefully though secretly served; and his conduct, as will be seen in due time, procured him a large fortune.

But I have gone too far.  I must retrace my steps, to speak of things I have omitted to notice in their proper place.

The two Dauphins and the Dauphine were interred at Saint-Denis, on Monday, the 18th of April.  The funeral oration was pronounced by Maboul, Bishop of Aleth, and pleased; M. de Metz, chief chaplain, officiated; the service commenced at about eleven o’clock.  As it was very long, it was thought well to have at hand a large vase of vinegar, in case anybody should be ill.  M. de Metz having taken the first oblation, and observing that very little wine was left for the second, asked for more.  This large vase of vinegar was supposed to be wine, and M. de Metz, who wished to strengthen himself, said, washing his fingers over the chalice, “fill right up.”  He swallowed all at a draught, and did not perceive until the end that he had drunk vinegar; his grimace and his complaint caused some little laughter round him; and he often related this adventure, which much soured him.  On Monday, the 20th of May, the funeral service for the Dauphin and Dauphine was performed at Notre Dame.

Let me here say, that before the Prince and his spouse were buried, that is to say, the 6th of April, the King gave orders for the recommencement of the usual play at Marly; and that M. le Duc de Berry and Madame la Duchesse de Berry presided in the salon at the public lansquenet and brelan; and the different gaming tables for all the Court.  In a short time the King dined in Madame de Maintenon’s apartments once or twice a week, and had music there.  And all this, as I have remarked, with the corpse of the Dauphin and that of the Dauphine still above ground.

The gap left by the death of the Dauphine could not, however, be easily filled up.  Some months after her loss, the King began to feel great ennui steal upon him in the hours when he had no work with his ministers.  The few ladies admitted into the apartments of Madame de Maintenon when he was there, were unable to entertain him.  Music, frequently introduced, languished from that cause.  Detached scenes from the comedies of Moliere were thought of, and were played by the King’s musicians, comedians for the nonce.  Madame de Maintenon introduced, too, the Marechal de Villeroy, to amuse the King by relating their youthful adventures.