His name of Armenteros was popularly converted into Argenteros, in order to symbolize the man who was made of public money.

His confidential intimacy with the Duchess procured for him also the name of "Madam's barber," in allusion to the famous ornaments of Margaret's upper lip, and to the celebrated influence enjoyed by the barbers of the Duke of Savoy, and of Louis the Eleventh.

This man sold dignities and places of high responsibility at public auction.

The Regent not only connived at these proceedings, which would have been base enough, but she was full partner in the disgraceful commerce.

Through the agency of the Secretary, she, too, was amassing a large private fortune.