When the king saw them, he
inquired what had brought them thither at so unusual an hour.
"We are come to see you, my dearest father," replied madame
Adelaide; "we have heard of your indisposition, and trifling as
it is said to be, we could not rest without satisfying our anxious
wish to know how you found yourself."
The other sisters expressed themselves in similar terms.
"It is all very well, my children," said Louis XV, with a pleasing
smile, "and you are all three very excellent girls, but I would
rather you should keep away from this close room; it can do you
no good, and I promise to let you know if I find myself getting
any worse."
After a slight resistance the princesses feigned an obedience to
his will; but, in reality, they merely retired into an adjoining
chamber, concealed from the sight of their parent, where they
remained, until the moment when they undertook the charge of the
patient. Their heroic devotion was the admiration of all France
and Europe.
Much as their presence constrained me, I still kept my place beside
the sick-bed of his majesty, who would not suffer me to leave him
for a minute.
At an early hour the marechale de Mirepoix returned, according
to her promise. I met her in the corridor as I was passing along
on my way to the king's apartment; her face was full of
cheerful smiles.
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