"
"Sire," said I, in my turn, "remember she is a woman; I beseech
you to pardon her, and let the weight of your just indignation
fall upon her brother."
"Chancellor," cried the king, "this business must not be lightly
passed over."
"Nor without due consideration," replied M. de Maupeou, "your
majesty may look upon this letter as the basis of a secret plot:
as for the duchess, I am of my cousin's opinion; despise her
audacious attempts, but spare not her brother; he alone is the
guilty as well as dangerous person."
The king made no answer, but rose, and crushing the letter in
his hand, threw it from him.
"Would," exclaimed he at last, "that the fiends had those who
take such delight in disgusting me with my very existence. Heavens!
how justly may I say I despise all men; nor have I a much better
opinion of your sex, madame la comtesse, I must warn you."
"Much obliged, sire," cried I; " really I was not prepared for
such gallantry. It is rather hard that you should quarrel with
me because this disagreeable duchess behaves ill! Upon my word
it is very unpleasant!"
"Come, come," said Louis XV, kissing my cheek, "don't you be a
naughty child; if I had not you, where should I turn for consolation
amidst the torments by which I am surrounded? Shall I tell you?
In the midst of all these perplexing affairs, there are moments
in which I fear I may not be promoting the happiness of my people.
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