Decadence and progress are going on confusedly in the minds as well as in the material condition of the nation.

They must be distinguished and traced without any pretence of separating them.
There we have the reign of Louis XV.

in its entirety.
[Illustration: The Regent Orleans----54] The regency of the Duke of Orleans and the ministry of Cardinal Dubois showed certain traits of the general tendencies and to a certain extent felt their influence; they formed, however, a distinct epoch, abounding in original efforts and bold attempts, which remained without result, but which testified to the lively reaction in men's minds against the courses and fundamental principles of the reign which had just ended.
Louis XIV.

had made no mistake about the respect which his last wishes were destined to meet with after his death.

In spite of the most extreme precautions, the secret of the will had transpired, giving occasion for some days past to secret intrigues.