On arriving at Versailles, he used the expression, "premier minister." "Not at all," said the king abruptly.

"O, very well," replied M.de Maurepas, "then to teach your Majesty to do without one." Nobody, however, did any business with Louis XVI.

without his being present, and his address was sufficient to keep at a distance or diminish the influence of the princesses as well as of the queen.

Marie Antoinette had insisted upon the recall of M.de Choiseul, who had arranged her marriage and who had remained faithful to the Austrian alliance.

The king had refused angrily.