CHAPTER X.

D’Eon challenges the French Ambassador—Institutes legal proceedings against him—Strong appeal to the Count de Broglio, and indifference of the latter—De Guerchy _v._ De Vergy—De Vergy’s affidavits—Secret correspondence in danger—Undignified conduct of Louis XV., who ‘feels he is in a mess’—True bill against the French Ambassador for inciting to murder—D’Eon’s disregard of his King’s intervention—De Guerchy applies for a _nolle prosequi_—Attorney-General refuses a certificate—Miscarriage of justice, and state of public feeling—Count de Broglio’s conciliatory proposals—A royal pension conferred on D’Eon—De Broglio’s advice—D’Eon surrenders his secret orders from the King 170