The reading finished, the Regent, contrary to his custom, showed his opinion by the, praises he gave to this document:  and then, assuming the Regent’s tone and air he had never before put on, and which completed the astonishment of the company, he added, “To-day, gentlemen, I shall deviate from the usual rule in taking your votes, and I think it will be well to do so during all this Council.”

Then after a slight glance upon both sides of the table, during which you might have heard a worm crawl, he turned towards M. le Duc and asked him his opinion.  M. le Duc declared for the decree, alleging several short but strong reasons.  The Prince de Conti spoke in the same sense.  I spoke after, for the Keeper of the Seals had done so directly his reading was finished.  My opinion was given in more general terms so as not to fall too heavily upon the Parliament, or to show that I arrogated to myself the right to support his Royal Highness in the same manner as a prince of the blood.  The Duc de la Force was longer.  All spoke, but the majority said but little, and some allowed their vexation to be seen, but did not dare to oppose, feeling that it would be of no use.  Dejection was painted upon their faces; it was evident this affair, of the Parliament was not what they expected or wished.  Tallard was the only one whose face did not betray him; but the suffocated monosyllable of the Marechal d’Huxelles tore off the rest of the mask.  The Duc de Noailles could scarcely contain himself, and spoke more than he wished, with anguish worthy of Fresnes.  M. le Duc d’Orleans spoke last, and with unusual force; then made a pause, piercing all the company with his eyes.

At this moment the Marechal de Villeroy, full of his own thoughts, muttered between his teeth, “But will the Parliament come?” This was gently taken up.  M. le Duc d’Orleans replied that he did not doubt it; and immediately afterwards, that it would be as well to know when they set out.  The Keeper of the Seals said he should be informed.  M. le Duc d’Orleans replied that the door-keepers must be told.  Thereupon up jumps M. de Troyes.

I was seized with such a sudden fear lest he should go and chatter at the door with some one that I jumped up also, and got the start of him.  As I returned, D’Antin, who had turned round to lay wait for me, begged me for mercy’s sake to tell him what all this meant.  I sped on saying that I knew nothing.  “Tell that to others!  Ho, ho!” replied he.  When he had resumed his seat, M. le Duc d’Orleans said something, I don’t know what, M. de Troyes still standing, I also.  In passing La Vrilliere, I asked him to go to the door every time anything was wanted, for fear of the babbling of M. de Troyes; adding, that distant as I was from the door, going there looked too peculiar.  La Vrilliere did as I begged him all the rest of the sitting.

As I was returning to my place, D’Antin, still in ambush, begged me in the name of heaven, his hands joined, to tell him something.  I kept firm, however, saying, “You will see.”  The Duc de Guiche pressed me as resolutely, even saying, it was evident I was in the plot.  I remained deaf.