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CHAPTER III
The king's message--Letter from the countess--A second supper at
Versailles--The duc d'Ayen--A short account of M. de Fleury--The
duc de Duras -Conversation with the king--The next day--A visit
from the duc de Richelieu--Visit from the duc de la Vauguyon--Visit
from comte Jean--Visit from the king--A third supper--Favor
Early the following day I received a message from the king,
accompanied with a bouquet of flowers tied round with a string
of diamonds. A short letter was annexed to this splendid gift,
which I would transcribe here, had it not been taken from me
with many others. My reply, which I wrote upon the spur of the
moment, was concise, and, as I preserved the rough copy, under
the impression of its being one day useful, I can give the reader
the exact words.
"The billet traced by your noble hands, renders me
the happiest of women. My joy is beyond description.
Thanks, monsieur le Baron, for your charming flowers.
Alas! they will be faded and withered by to-morrow,
but not so fleeting and short-lived are the sentiments
with which you have inspired me. Believe me, the
desire you express to see me again is entirely mutual;
and in the impatience with which you await our next
interview, I read but my own sentiments. The ardor
with which you long to embrace me, is fully equalled
by the affection which leads me to desire no gratification
greater than that of passing my whole life in your
society.
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