"People may say what they like," he would repeat, with sincere conviction, "but he is an honest man!" Infamous means were employed, it is said, with the king; he was shown forged letters, purporting to come from M.Turgot, intercepted at the post and containing opinions calculated to wound his Majesty himself.

To pacify the jealousy of M.de Maurepas, Turgot had given up his privilege of working alone with the king.

Left to the adroit manoeuvres of his old minister, Louis XVI.

fell away by degrees from the troublesome reformer against whom were leagued all those who were about him.

The queen had small liking for M.Turgot, whose strict economy had cut down the expenses of her household; contrary to their usual practice, her most trusted servants abetted the animosity of M.de Maurepas.