[70] See p. 16., cf. St. Simon, XIV. p. 315.
[71] We are continually sensible of the sulphurous atmosphere through which Marc René d'Argenson is seen in contemporary memoirs.
[72] E.g., one which crops up incidentally in a letter of the Marquis de Balleroy, July 26, 1722. "Effectivement tout le monde dit qu'il fait son intendance à merveille, et mieux que bien des gens qui ont l'esprit plus brillant que lui" (Barthélemy, II. p. 270). Cf. also a letter of St. Pierre to d'Argenson, quoted p. 41.
[73] The father of the famous Controller-General.
[74] Journal (Rathery), I. p. 125.
[75] The edition here cited is that of Count Édouard de Barthélemy, lately published in two volumes. The edition consists of a series of extracts from certain of the letters, and represents only a fraction of the whole correspondence, which occupies eight volumes. (Bibliothèque Mazarine, MS. 2341).
[76] See Lacroix, "xviii. Siècle—Le Libraire."
[77] The great "Constitution Unigenitus," which served as a rallying cry for the rival factions for half a century.
[78] Martin, "Histoire de France," XV. p. 109.
[79] St. Simon speaks of Marc René d'Argenson's efforts to break the weight of the religious persecution; and the modest expression of gratitude which closes Fontenelle's "Éloge" was evoked by the protection d'Argenson had given him in the storm which gathered round the "Histoire des Oracles."