"Why," said he, "have you concealed from me the fact of my having
the small-pox?" This abrupt inquiry petrified them with
astonishment, and unable to frame a proper reply, they stood
speechless with alarm and apprehension. "Yes," resumed the king,
"but for La Martiniere, I should have died in ignorance of my
danger. I know now the state in which I am, and before long I
shall be gathered to my forefathers."
All around him strove to combat this idea, and exerted their utmost
endeavours to persuade the royal patient that his disorder had
assumed the most favourable shape, and that not a shadow of
danger was perceptible, but in vain; for the blow had fallen, and
the hapless king, struck with a fatal presentiment of coming ill,
turned a deaf ear to all they could advance.
Bordeu, deeply concerned for what had transpired, hastened to
announce to the duc de Richelieu the turn which had taken place
in the face of affairs. Nothing could exceed the rage with which
the news was received. The duke hurried to the king's bedside.
"Is it, indeed, true, sire," inquired he, "that your majesty doubts
of your perfect restoration to health? May I presume to inquire
whether any circumstance has occurred to diminish your confidence
in your medical attendants?"
"Duc de Richelieu," replied the king, looking as though he would
search into his very soul, "I have the small-pox.
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