"If I could have a royal hearing at Versailles through your introduction?" suggested the old lady.
"Not to be thought of. The king does not like me to meddle with law or politics. And at present he is worried about my presentation to the court."
"Oh!" exclaimed the aged litigant.
"The king wants it to come off before the new dauphiness arrives, so that my sister can go to the festivities at Compiegne, in spite of Choiseul's opposition, Praslin's intrigues and Lady Grammont's intervention."
"I understand. The countess has no introductress?" queried Lady Bearn, timidly.
"Beg pardon, we have Baroness Alogny, only the king would prefer somebody with a historical name."
"I cannot say that I ever heard of the Alognys," hissed the old descendant of kings with incredible envy.
"It will be a grand thing for her, for the king is tired of the jades who put on airs prouder than himself!" said Jean. "I could make Lady Alogny draw off by telling her what the king said."
said the viscount.