When
I returned to my apartment I found Bordeu there, who appeared
quite at a loss what to say respecting the king's malady, the
symptoms still remained too uncertain to warrant any person in
calling it the small-pox.
"And should it prove that horrible complaint?" inquired I.
"There would, in that case, be considerable danger," replied
Bordeu, not without extreme embarrassment..
"Perhaps even to the extinction of all hope?" asked I.
"God alone can tell," returned Bordeu.
"I understand," interrupted I, quickly, "and, spite of the mystery
with which you would fain conceal the extent of his majesty's
danger, I know, and venture to assert, that you consider him
already as dead."
"Have a care, madam," exclaimed Bordeu, "how you admit such an
idea, and still more of proclaiming it. I pledge you my word that
I do not consider the king is in danger; I have seen many cures
equally extraordinary with his."
I shook my head in token of disbelief. I had uttered what I firmly
supposed the truth, and the sight of my evil genius in the person
of the prophet who had awaited my return to Versailles, turned
the encouraging words of Bordeu into a cold, heavy chill, which
struck to my heart. Bordeu quitted me to resume his attendance
upon the king. After him came the duc d'Aiguillon, whose features
bore the visible marks of care and disquiet.
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