match for her daughter, which would raise her above those that imagined themselves above her: after having looked about, she fixed upon the prince dauphin, son of the duke de Montpensier, one of the most considerable persons then at court. As Madam de Chartres abounded in wit, and was assisted by the viscount, who was in great consideration, and as her daughter herself was a very considerable match, she managed the matter with so much dexterity and success, that Monsieur de Montpensier appeared to desire the marriage, and there was no appearance of any difficulties in it.
But the Duchess of Valentinois being warned of the design in view, had traversed it with so much care, and prepossessed the King so much against it, that when Monsieur d'Anville came to speak to his majesty about it, he plainly showed he did not approve of it, and commanded him to signify as much to the Prince de Montpensier. One may easily judge what the sentiments of Madam de Chartres were, upon the breaking off of an affair which she had set her mind so much upon, and the ill success of which gave such an advantage to her enemies, and was so great a prejudice to her daughter.
No one now entertained any further thoughts of Mademoiselle de Chartres, either fearing to incur the king's displeasure, or despairing to succeed with a lady, who aspired to an alliance with a Prince of the blood. The prince of Cleves alone was not disheartened at either of these considerations; the death of the duke of Nevers his father, which happened at that time, set him at entire liberty to follow his inclination, and no sooner was the time of mourning expired, but he wholly applied himself to the gaining of Mademoiselle de Chartres. It was lucky for him that he addressed her at a time when what had happened had discouraged the approaches of others. What allayed his joy was his fear of not being the most agreeable to her, and he
