We made a considerable stay at Avignon, whence we proceeded through Burgundy and Champagne to Rheims, where the King’s marriage was celebrated.  From Rheims we came to Paris, things going on in their usual train, and Le Guast prosecuting his designs with all the success he could wish.  At Paris my brother was joined by Bussi, whom he received with all the favour which his bravery merited.  He was inseparable from my brother, in consequence of which I frequently saw him, for my brother and I were always together, his household being equally at my devotion as if it were my own.  Your aunt, remarking this harmony betwixt us, has often told me that it called to her recollection the times of my uncle, M. d’Orleans, and my aunt, Madame de Savoie.

Le Guast thought this a favourable circumstance to complete his design.  Accordingly, he suggested to Madame de Sauves to make my husband believe that it was on account of Bussi that I frequented my brother’s apartments so constantly.

The King my husband, being fully informed of all my proceedings from persons in his service who attended me everywhere, could not be induced to lend an ear to this story.  Le Guast, finding himself foiled in this quarter, applied to the King, who was well inclined to listen to the tale, on account of his dislike to my brother and me, whose friendship for each other was unpleasing to him.

Besides this, he was incensed against Bussi, who, being formerly attached to him, had now devoted himself wholly to my brother,—­an acquisition which, on account of the celebrity of Bussi’s fame for parts and valour, redounded greatly to my brother’s honour, whilst it increased the malice and envy of his enemies.

The King, thus worked upon by Le Guast, mentioned it to the Queen my mother, thinking it would have the same effect on her as the tale which was trumped up at Lyons.  But she, seeing through the whole design, showed him the improbability of the story, adding that he must have some wicked people about him, who could put such notions in his head, observing that I was very unfortunate to have fallen upon such evil times.  “In my younger days,” said she, “we were allowed to converse freely with all the gentlemen who belonged to the King our father, the Dauphin, and M. d’Orleans, your uncles.  It was common for them to assemble in the bedchamber of Madame Marguerite, your aunt, as well as in mine, and nothing was thought of it.  Neither ought it to appear strange that Bussi sees my daughter in the presence of her husband’s servants.  They are not shut up together.  Bussi is a person of quality, and holds the first place in your brother’s family.  What grounds are there for such a calumny?  At Lyons you caused me to offer her an affront, which I fear she will never forget.”

The King was astonished to hear his mother talk in this manner, and interrupted her with saying:  “Madame, I only relate what I have heard.”

“But who is it,” answered she, “that tells you all this?  I fear no one that intends you any good, but rather one that wishes to create divisions amongst you all.”