"
"Ah, madame,,, cried M. de Roquelaure, "I entreat of you not to
insist upon my carrying the latter part of this message to the
princesses, they would be so much grieved."
"Well, then, sir," said I, "tell them that I am indisposed, and
that the state of my health will detain me at Versailles."
'That indeed," said he, " is a more respectful message; and
further I would venture to ask of your goodness, that since it
is not your pleasure to honor Chantilly with your presence, that
you will have the kindness to mention in the proper quarter, that
far from my royal ladies opposing any obstacle to your going,
they would have been much delighted with your presence there."
"Be assured, sir," answered I, " that I shall ever feel proud and
honored by the princesses' notice; and I will take care that the
faithful account of all their gracious condescension shall be
faithfully and loudly reported."
The bishop departed much pleased with the success of
his negotiation; and, above all, with the agreeable turn
the affair had taken.
When I next saw the king, I said to him, "Your daughters, sire,
are as amiable as you would have them; they have been informed
that some evil disposed persons have asserted, that they had
prohibited my being of the party to Chantilly; and in order to
testify how differently they were disposed towards me, they
despatched the bishop de Senlis.
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