"How greatly am I obliged to you for your prompt succour," said
she, without even inquiring after my health or that of the king.
"Do you know, I was but just in time; ten minutes later, and I
should have been refused payment for your cheque. M. de Laborde,
who was so devotedly your friend only yesterday, counted out to
me the glittering coin I was so anxious to obtain. He even
accompanied me to my carriage, when behold, just at the moment,
when, with his hat in his hand, he was most gallantly bowing, and
wishing me a pleasant journey, a courier arrived from Versailles
bringing him the news of the king's illness. He looked so
overwhelmed with consternation and alarm, that I could not prevent
myself from bursting into a hearty fit of laughter, nor has my
gaiety forsaken me up to the present moment."
"You are very fortunate," said I, "to be enabled thus to preserve
your good spirits."
"My dear creature, I would fain cheat time of some of his claims
upon me. But now I think of it, what is the matter since I was
here? Is the king worse, and what is this I hear whispered abroad
of the small-pox?"
"Alas, madam," answered I, much hurt at the insensibility she
displayed, "we run but too great danger of losing our friend and
benefactor for ever."
"Dear me, how very shocking! But what has he settled on you?
What have you asked him for?"
"Nothing!" replied I, coolly.
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