But,
mademoiselle du Barry," continued she, "I advise you to commence
your packing up at once, that when the grand move comes you may
not in your hurry, leave anything behind you."
These remarks increased my affliction, but the marechale had no
intention of wounding my feelings, and worldly-minded as she was,
considered all that could be saved out of the wreck as the only
subject worthy attention. Meanwhile, comte Jean, with a gloomy
and desponding air, continued silently with folded arms to pace
the room, till all at once, as if suddenly struck by the arguments
of madame de Mirepoix, he exclaimed,
"The marechale is right"; and abruptly quitted the apartment, as
if to commence his own preparations.
Ere madame de Mirepoix had left me and she remained till a late
hour, the ducs d'Aiguillon and de Cosse arrived, who, although
less experienced in their knowledge of the king's character, were
yet fully of her opinion respecting my last visit to him.
Scarcely had these visitors withdrawn, than I was apprized that
the chancellor of France desired to see me. He was admitted,
and the first glance of the countenance of M. de Maupeou convinced
me that our day of power was rapidly closing.
"Your servant, cousin," said he, seating himself without the
smallest ceremony; "at what page of our history have we arrived?"
"By the unusual freedom and effrontery of your manner," answered
I, "I should surmise that we have reached the word
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