This was to summon Saintonge, the St. Germains, and old
St. Mesmin to his presence and effect a reconciliation; or,
failing that, to refer the matter to the Parliament.
He agreed with me and chose to receive them next day at the
Arsenal. I communicated his commands, and at the hour named we
met, the King attended by Roquelaure and myself. But if I had
flattered myself that the King's presence would secure a degree
of moderation and reasonableness I was soon undeceived; for
though M. de St. Mesmin had only his trembling head and his tears
to urge, Clan and his son fell upon Saintonge with so much
violence--to which he responded by a fierce and resentful
sullenness equally dangerous--that I feared that blows would be
struck even before the King's face. Lest this should happen and
the worst traditions of old days of disorder be renewed, I
interposed and managed at length to procure silence.
"For shame, gentlemen, for shame!" the King said, gnawing his
moustachios after a fashion he had when in doubt. "I take Heaven
to witness that I cannot say who is right! But this brawling
does no good.
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