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afraid the rank which she thinks due to her, should be disputed in all visits and public places, is doubtful. It is certain, that upon all occasions she declines the taking of any rank; and the title of Marquisse (which belongs to the lands the king purchased for her) is: suppressed before her name; neither will she accept of the title of a duchess, aspiring in all probability at something still higher, as will appear by what follows.

From several particulars in the conduct of the French king as well as in that of Madame Maintenon, it has for some years been the prevailing opinion of the court that they are married. And it is. said, that her ambition of being declared Queen broke out at last; and that she was resolved to give the king no quiet until it was done. He for some time resisted all her solicitations upon that head; but at length, in a fit of tenderness and good-nature, he promised her that he would consult his confessor upon that point. Madame Maintenon was pleased with this, not doubting but that Father La Chaise would be glad of this occasion of making his court to her; but he was too subtle a courtier not to perceive the danger of engaging in so nice an affair, and for that reason evaded it; by telling the king, that he did not think himself a casuist able enough to decide a question of so great importance; and for that reason desired he might consult with some man of skill and learning, for whose secrecy he would be responsible. The king was apprehensive lest this might make the matter too public; but as soon as Father La Chaise named Monsieur Fenelon, the Archbishop of Cambray, his fears were over; and he bid him go and find him out. As soon as the confessor had communicated the business he came upon to the bishop, he said, "What have I done father, that you should ruin me! But it is no matter; let us go to the king." His majesty

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