It was not
until some days afterwards that the terror which pervaded the
chateau ceased. They had found the body of the unfortunate
Gaubert on the banks of the Seine.
In spite of what had passed, the duc de la Vrilliere had the
impudence to present himself to me. I treated him with disdain,
reproaching him and Laugeac for their conduct. He left me in
despair, and wrote me the following letter:--
"MADAME LA COMTESSE,-Your anger kills me. I am
guilty, but not so much so as you may imagine. The
duty of my office compels me to do many things
which are disagreeable to me. In the affair for
which you have so slightingly treated me there
was no intent to injure you, but only to procure
for the king an amusement which should make him
the more estimate your charms and your society.
Forgive a fault in which my heart bore no share; I
am sufficiently miserable, and shall not know
repose until I be reinstated in your good graces.
"As for the poor marchioness she is no more to
blame than myself. She feels for you as much esteem
as attachment, and is anxious to prove it at any
opportunity. I beseech you not to treat her
rigorously. Think that we only work together for
the good of the king, and that it would be unjust
of you to hate us because we have endeavored to
please this excellent prince. I hope that, contented
with this justification, you will not refuse to grant
me the double amnesty which I ask of your goodness.
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