Scarcely was my head on my pillow,
than I fell into a profound sleep: could I but have anticipated
to what I should awake! It was eleven o'clock on the following
morning when an immense noise of some person entering my chamber,
aroused me from the sweet slumbers I was still buried in. Vexed
at the disturbance, I inquired, in a peevish tone, "Who is there?"
"Tis I, my sister," replied Chon, "M. de Chamilly is here,
anxious to speak with you upon a matter of great importance."
Chamilly, who was close behind mademoiselle du Barry, begged
to be admitted.
"What is the matter, Chamilly? "cried I, "and what do you want?
Is mademoiselle Julie to set off into the country immediately?"
"Alas! madam," replied Chamilly, "his majesty is extremely ill."
These words completely roused me, and raising myself on my arm,
I eagerly repeated, "Ill! of what does he complain?"
"Of general and universal pain and suffering," replied Chamilly.
"And the female who was here last night, how is she?"
"Nearly as bad, madam; she arose this morning complaining of
illness and languor, which increased so rapidly, that she was
compelled to be carried to one of the nearest beds, where she
now is."
All this tormented me to the greatest degree, and I dismissed
Chamilly for the purpose of rising, although I had no distinct
idea of what it would be most desirable to say or do.
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