'
"'What do you think of this determination, Bordeu?'
"'I think, sire, that you may be permitted to please yourself.'
"'You hear that, La Martiniere?'
"'Yes, sire, and your majesty heard my opinion likewise.' Then
turning towards Bordeu, 'Sir,' exclaimed he, 'I call upon you in
my capacity of head physician to the king, to state your opinion
in writing, and to abide by the consequences of it; you who are
not one of his majesty's physicians.'
"At this direct appeal, your doctor, driven to extremities,
adopted either the wise or cowardly resolution of maintaining a
strict silence. The king, who was awaiting his reply with much
impatience, perceiving his reluctance to speak, turned towards
the duc de Duras, who was in attendance upon him, and said, 'Let
them take me when and where my head physician advises.'"
At this recital I shed fresh tears. The duke afterwards told us
that when La Martiniere had quitted his majesty, he went to
ascertain the condition of the wretched girl who had introduced
all this uneasiness among us, and after having attentively
examined her, he exclaimed, "She is past all hope, God only
knows what the consequences may be." This gloomy prognostic
added still more to my distress, and whilst those around me strove
to communicate fresh hopes and confidence to my tortured mind,
I remained in a state too depressed and dejected to admit one,
even one ray of consolation.
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