Then, when once an incumbent of this post, he would marry Mademoiselle de Montalais.

Mademoiselle de Montalais, of a half noble family, not only would be dowered, but would ennoble Malicorne.

But, in order that Mademoiselle de Montalais, who had not a large patrimonial fortune, although an only daughter, should be suitably dowered, it was necessary that she should belong to some great princess, as prodigal as the dowager Madame was covetous.

And in order that the wife should not be of one party whilst the husband belonged to the other, a situation which presents serious inconveniences, particularly with characters like those of the future consorts--Malicorne had imagined the idea of making the central point of union the household of Monsieur, the king's brother.

Mademoiselle de Montalais would be maid of honor to Madame.