The princesses are not ignorant that I have often shut my eyes
upon certain affairs--. Enough; they must now testify their
attachment for me. Why should they oppose the presentation of
the comtesse?
they were not so squeamish
in the days of madame de Pompadour."
At these latter words I could not forbear laughing. La Vauguyon
and de Richelieu left us and here the conversation terminated.
The next morning they brought me a note from the duc de la Vauguyon.
Thus it ran:--
MADAME,--Ready to serve you, I wish to have a
few minutes' conversation with you. Be persuaded
that I will not tell you anything but what will be
agreeable and useful to you."
I instantly answered:--
"You are too good a friend for me to refuse to see
you willingly under any circumstances, and
particularly the present. Your conduct yesterday
assures you my eternal regard. Come instantly;
my grateful heart expects you with impatience."
My sister-in-law, to whom I showed this correspondence, said to
me, "This gentleman does not come to see you for your bright
eyes; and yet his visit is not disinterested."
"What interest can he have to serve?"
"None of his own, perhaps; but those villainous Jesuits."
"Don't you like them, sister of mine?"
"I hate nobody."
M. de la Vauguyon arrived; and as soon as we were alone, he said
to me,
"Well, madame, I am now on the point of going to fight your
battles.
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