Have a care that you do not, by your
own conduct, oblige me to adopt harsher
measures; and hereupon I pray God to have you
in his keeping."
(Signed) "Louis,
(and lower down) "PHILIPPEAUX"
When this letter was completed, I said to the king,
"Surely, sire, you do not mean to forget the duke's faithful ally,
M. de Praslin? It would ill become us to detain him when the
head of the family has taken leave of us."
"You are right," replied the king, smiling; "besides, an old broom
taken from a masthead would be as useful to us as he would."
Then, turning to M. de la Vrilliere, the king dictated the
following laconic notice:--
"COUSIN,--I have no further occasion for
your services; I exile you to Praslin, and
expect you will repair thither within four and
twenty hours after the receipt of this."
"Short and sweet," cried I.
"Now let us drop the subject," said Louis; "let madame de Choiseul
repose in peace to-night, and to-morrow morning, at eleven
o'clock, go yourself, M. de la Vrilliere, and carry my orders to
the duke, and bring back his staff of office."
"To whom will you give it, sire?" inquired the chancellor.
"I have not yet considered the subject," replied the king.
At this instant M. de Soubise was announced. "
" exclaimed
the king, as M. de Soubise, little suspecting the nature of our
conversation, entered the room.
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