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