The royal amateur of literature also observed the
elegant style given to some notes which the discreet gentleman had
been invited to recast. This little success stamped Monsieur de
Fontaine on the King's memory as one of the loyal servants of the
Crown.
At the second restoration the Count was one of those special envoys
who were sent throughout the departments charged with absolute
jurisdiction over the leaders of revolt; but he used his terrible
powers with moderation. As soon as the temporary commission was ended,
the High Provost found a seat in the Privy Council, became a deputy,
spoke little, listened much, and changed his opinions very
considerably. Certain circumstances, unknown to historians, brought
him into such intimate relations with the Sovereign, that one day, as
he came in, the shrewd monarch addressed him thus: "My friend
Fontaine, I shall take care never to appoint you to be
director-general, or minister. Neither you nor I, as employes, could
keep our place on account of our opinions. Representative government
has this advantage; it saves Us the trouble We used to have, of
dismissing Our Secretaries of State. Our Council is a perfect inn-parlor,
whither public opinion sometimes sends strange travelers; however, We
can always find a place for Our faithful adherents."
This ironical speech was introductory to a rescript giving Monsieur de
Fontaine an appointment as administrator in the office of Crown lands.
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