CHAPTER XXII

Beginning of the Ministry of _Monsieur le Duc_--His early popularity--Difficulties of the situation--Philippe d’Orléans replaced by three new powers: Louis XV., Fleury, and Philip V. of Spain--Futile negotiations between _Monsieur le Duc_ and the Orléans faction--Madame de Prie advises the prince to take the offensive--Resumption of the proceedings against La Jonchère and his accomplices--Indignation and alarm of the Orléanists--Attempted assassination of La Guillonière, in mistake for Pâris-Duverney---Conspiracy against the lives of _Monsieur le Duc_ and his mistress--Madame de Prie insists on prompt and energetic action, and Le Blanc and the Belle-Isles are thrown into the Bastille--Arrest of Lempereur and other persons--The Government is determined on the total ruin of Le Blanc--Murder of Gazan de la Combe--La Blanc claims the privilege of being tried by the assembled chambers of the Parlement--Efforts of _Monsieur le Duc_ and Madame de Prie to counteract the influence of Fleury over Louis XV.--Recall of Villeroy--Visit of the King to Chantilly--Trial of Le Blanc--Extraordinary proceedings--Acquittal of the accused 314–331

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