I am very glad, so far as regards the King's service, that he is appointed, for I think the selection a very good one; but I almost regret the part I have taken in it.

I take a responsibility upon myself.

I was fortunate in being free from any; and in order to relieve myself from this as much as possible I have just promised M.de Segur, and that upon my word of honour, not to back any petition, nor to hinder any of his operations by solicitations on behalf of my proteges." During the first administration of M.Necker, whose ambition had not then drawn him into schemes repugnant to his better judgment, and whose views appeared to the Queen to be very judicious, she indulged in hopes of the restoration of the finances.

Knowing that M.de Maurepas wished to drive M.Necker to resign, she urged him to have patience until the death of an old man whom the King kept about him from a fondness for his first choice, and out of respect for his advanced age.

She even went so far as to tell him that M.de Maurepas was always ill, and that his end could not be very distant.