She had quitted me for an hour, when I received a letter from
him who had sent her. The prince de Soubise begged me to grant
him an interview, in which he could enter into an explanation. I
replied that I would receive him, and he came the same day.
"I am much pained, madame," said he, on entering, "that
mademoiselle Guimard has communicated with so little address
what I wished to say to you."
"Prince, I think you would have done better to have been the bearer
of your own message. You know my station here, and would not
have ridiculed me as she has done."
M. de Soubise, much puzzled to know what she had said, asked me
the question.
"Why," I replied, "she said, that if I would follow your counsels,
you would pay me for my condescension."
"Ah! madame," he exclaimed, "she has completely murdered me.
I only charged her to offer my services to you, and throw myself
at your feet, as I do now."
"Rise, prince, I do not accuse you of such folly, and promise
not to mention it: it is necessary, however, that you should know
I have but one part to play here, that of pleasing the king. Any
other character will not suit me. Honor me with your friendship,
and accept mine in return. I cannot, must not, have any other union
with you."
Thus terminated this interview; it did not suit me to give the
prince de Soubise any hopes.
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