than I saw him advance in front of M. le Duc to the Duc du Maine, and immediately after both rose and went into the chamber I had indicated.  I could not see who of the scattered group around followed them, for all present rose at their departure, and seated themselves again directly in complete silence.  Some time after, M. le Comte de Toulouse left his place and went into the Chamber.  M. le Duc followed him in a little while soon again the Duc de la Force did the same.

He did not stay long.  Returning to the assembly; he passed the Duc de la Rochefoucauld and me, put his head between that of the Duc de Sully and mine, because he did not wish to be heard by La Rochefoucauld, and said to me, “In the name of God go there; things are getting on badly.  M. le Duc d’Orleans gives way; stop the dispute; make M. le Duc d’Orleans come back; and, as soon as he is in his place, let him say that it is too late to finish, that the company had better go to dinner, and return to finish afterwards, and during this interval,” added La Force, “send the King’s people to the Palais Royal, and let doubtful peers be spoken to, and the chiefs among other magistrates.”

The advice appeared to me good and important.  I left the assembly and went to the chamber.  I found a large circle of spectators.  M. le Duc d’Orleans and the Duc du Maine stood before the fireplace, looking both very excited.  I looked at this spectacle some moments; then approached the mantelpiece like a man who wishes to speak.  “What is this, Monsieur?” said M. le Duc d’Orleans to me, with an impatient manner.  “A pressing word, Monsieur, that I have to say to you,” said I. He continued speaking to the Duc du Maine, I being close by.  I redoubled my instances; he lent me his ear.  “No, no,” said I, “not like that, come here,” and I took him into a, corner by the chimney.  The Comte de Toulouse, who was there, drew completely back, and all the circle on that side.  The Duc du Maine drew back also from where he was.

I said to M. le Duc d’Orleans, in his ear, that he could not hope to gain anything from M. du Maine, who would not sacrifice the codicil to his reasonings; that the length of their conference became indecent, useless, dangerous; that he was making a sight of himself to all who entered; that the only thing to be done was to return to the assembly, and, when there, dissolve it.  “You are right,” said he, “I will do it.”—­“But,” said I, “do it immediately, and do not allow yourself to be amused.  It is to M. de la Force you owe this advice:  he sent me to give it you.”  He quitted me without another word, went to M. du Maine, told him in two words that it was too late, and that the matter must be finished after dinner.

I had remained where he left me.  I saw the Duc du Maine bow to him immediately, and the two separated, and retired at the same moment into the assembly.