The first, as my father has related to me, was on account of the Duc de Bellegarde.

The Duke was in disgrace, and had been exiled.

My father, who was a friend of his, wished to write to him one day, and for want of other leisure, being then much occupied, took the opportunity of the King's momentary absence to carry out his desire.
Just as he was finishing his letter, the King came in; my father tried to hide the paper, but the eyes of the King were too quick for him.

"What is that paper ?" said he.

My father, embarrassed, admitted that it was a few words he had written to M.de Bellegarde.
"Let me see it," said the King; and he took the paper and read it.
"I don't find fault with you," said he, "for writing to your friends, although in disgrace, for I know you will write nothing improper; but what displeases me is, that you should fail in the respect you owe to a duke and peer, in that, because he is exiled, you should omit to address him as Monseigneur;" and then tearing the letter in two, he added, "Write it again after the hunt, and put, Monseigneur, as you ought." My father was very glad to be let off so easily.
The other reprimand was upon a more serious subject.