"We must then reckon upon ten years," said his Majesty, "and put off this great undertaking until the year 1790; it will occupy the rest of the century." The King afterwards talked of the depreciation of property which took place at Versailles whilst the Regent removed the Court of Louis XV.

to the Tuileries, and said that he must consider how to prevent that inconvenience; it was the desire to do this that promoted the purchase of St.Cloud.

The Queen first thought of it one day when she was riding out with the Duchesse de Polignac and the Comtesse Diane; she mentioned it to the King, who was much pleased with the thought,--the purchase confirming him in the intention, which he had entertained for ten years, of quitting Versailles.
The King determined that the ministers, public officers, pages, and a considerable part of his stabling should remain at Versailles.

Messieurs de Breteuil and de Calonne were instructed to treat with the Duc d'Orleans for the purchase of St.Cloud; at first they hoped to be able to conclude the business by a mere exchange.

The value of the Chateau de Choisy, de la Muette, and a forest was equivalent to the sum demanded by the House of Orleans; and in the exchange which the Queen expected she only saw a saving to be made instead of an increase of expense.