Louis XV
remained for some time motionless; at length,
"Well," he exclaimed, attempting to force a smile, "well! I will
write to the ladies de Grammont, to inform them that they need
not give themselves the trouble to remain near me at the chateau."
On his saying these words I darted towards the door, and went
into my chamber. The king followed, and finding there mademoiselle
Chon, who was working at some tapestry, said to her,
"Mademoiselle, I confide to your care, and by oral
cachet>, the most amiable little devil in France. And now,
mademoiselle du Barry, having nothing further to add, I pray
God to take you to His powerful and holy keeping."
After this pleasantry the king, delighted at the gay termination
of a somewhat serious scene, went, or rather vanished; for to
use a proverbial expression, he ran like a thief.
As soon as I was alone with my sister-in-law, I told her all that
had passed.
"I see," said she, "that the king is fearful of offending the duc
de Choiseul, and giving annoyance to his daughters. But a step
must be determined on which will place you out of the reach of
complete disgrace. Would it not be best to get some nobleman,
who can do so with influence, to speak to him on the subject? If
the duc de Richelieu were here--"
"But," I instantly exclaimed, "have we not his nephew, the duc d'
Aiguillon? He is well with the king, and I am certain will take
the most lively interest in all that concerns me.
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