"
"I second that advice," cried the duc de Richelieu, who just
then entered the room; "yes, yes, as madame de Mirepoix wisely
observes, this is the place for the king to be ill in."
"But," exclaimed I, "must we not be guided by the
physicians' advice?"
"Do you make sure of Bordeu," said the duke, "and I will speak
to La Martiniere."
M. de Cosse took me aside, and assured me that I might rely upon
him in life or death. When we had conversed together for some
minutes, I besought of him to leave the place as early as possible;
"Take madame de Forcalquier with you," said I, "your presence
just now at Trianon would be too much commented upon."
He made some difficulties in obeying me, but I insisted and he
went. After his departure, the duc de Richelieu, the marechale
and myself walked together in the garden. Our walk was so directed
that we could see through the colonnade every person who arrived
up the avenue. We spoke but little, and an indescribable feeling
of solemnity was mingled with the few words which passed, when,
all at once, our attention was attracted by the sight of comte
Jean, who rushed towards me in a state of frenzy.
"Accursed day," cried he, stopping when he saw us, "that wretched
girl from Versailles has brought the small-pox with her."
At this fatal news I heaved a deep sigh and fainted.
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