"
"Ah," replied the king, "is it madame de Bearn that you present
to me? I am indeed delighted. Her husband was one of my faithful
servants: I was much pleased with her son when he was one of
pages, and I perceive that she herself is desirous of testifying
to me her attachment to my person. I thank you, madame; you
cannot confer a greater favor on me, and I shall embrace every
opportunity of proving to you how much satisfaction your conduct
affords me."
Each word that the king uttered went to the heart of the countess.
However, making a virtue of necessity, she replied, that she was
proud and happy at what the king had said to her, and that it
would be her constant aim to please his majesty, flattering
herself that the king would remember the services of the Bearn
family, and would think of her in the dispensation of his bounties.
"You may rely on it, madame," replied Louis XV, "especially if
the comtesse du Barry applies to me in your behalf."
Then, turning towards me, "When, then, is this redoubtable
presentation to take place?"
"On the day, sire, when your majesty shall think proper," I replied.
"Well! I will send the duc de Richelieu to you, who will arrange
the whole."
This settled, the subject was turned, but madame de Bearn lost
her tongue entirely. In spite of all her endeavors, her forehead
became contracted every moment, and I am sure she went away
vexed and disappointed.
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