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THE REGENT. 17
murdered for his jewel as the hapless slave had been in the very outset of its career.
At
last, in 1717, he was relieved from his troubles. He sold the stone to
the King of France, having in vain offered it to the other monarchs of
Europe. The Duke of Saint Simon minutely chronicles the whole
transaction. The model of the diamond, which was then known as the •'
Pitt," was brought to him by the famous Scotch financier, Law. At this
time the Duke of Orleans ruled in France as regent for the boy who was
afterwards to be Louis xv. The state of the French finances was
well-nigh desperate. The people were starving, the national credit was
nil, and the exchequer was almost if not quite empty. Nothing
dismayed, however, by the dark outlook, that accomplished courtier, the
Duke of Saint Simon, set himself to work upon the feelings of the
Regent until he should be persuaded to buy this unique gem. When the
Regent feebly urged the want of money the Duke was ready with a plan
for borrowing and
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