During the whole of this
day he continued in the same state of uncertainty; the strictest
watch was set around him that no imprudent confession should
reveal to him the real nature of his situation. I continued
sitting beside him in a state of great constraint, from the
knowledge of my being closely observed by the princesses, of
whose vicinity we durst not inform him, in the fear of exciting
his fears still more.
The courier, who had been despatched to madame Louise, returned,
bringing a letter from that princess to her sisters, under cover to
madame Adelaide, in which she implored of them not to suffer any
consideration to prevent their immediately acquainting their father
with the dangerous condition he was in. The duty, she added, was
imperative, and the greatest calamity that could befall them, would
be to see this dearly loved parent expire in a state of sinful
indifference as to his spiritual welfare.
The august recluse, detached from all sublunary considerations,
saw nothing but the glorious hereafter, where she would fain
join company with all her beloved friends and connexions of
this world.
The archbishop of Paris, M. de Beaumont, a prelate highly esteemed
for his many excellent private qualities, but who had frequently
embarrassed the king by his pertinacity, did not forget him on
this occasion; for no sooner did the account of his majesty's
illness reach him, than, although suffering with a most painful
complaint, he hastened to Versailles, where his presence embarrassed
every one, particularly the grand almoner, who, a better courtier
than priest, was excessively careful never to give offence to any
person, even though the king's salvation depended upon it; he,
therefore, kept his apartment, giving it out that he was
indisposed, and even took to his bed, the better to avoid any
disagreeable or inconvenient request.
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