Alas! the news but confirmed the distressing
state of the king. The very solitude in which I was left at Ruel
might alone have served to convince me of my misfortune; for,
with the exception of the duc de Cosse, no person came near us.
M. de Cosse invited me to walk with him in the garden; I accepted
the arm of this noble friend, and we directed our steps towards
the wood. When we were there secure from interruption, the duke
inquired what were my plans for the future?
"How can I tell you," answered I; "what is henceforward to be
my fate is better known to our future queen than to myself."
"That is precisely what I dread," replied M. de Cosse. "Unfortunately
you have deeply offended the queen elect, who has irritated her
husband's mind against you; and then the Choiseul faction will,
in all probability, come into power."
"I see all this," returned I, "and am prepared for whatever
may happen."
"I admire your calmness in a moment like the present," cried the
duke; "but have a care. Perhaps the best thing would be to remove
you beyond the reach of the first shock of court displeasure. In
your place I would request passports from the duc d'Aiguillon and
travel into England."
"Oh, speak not of such a thing, I conjure you," interrupted I;
"I have a horror of such journeys, and would much rather trust
to the generosity of the dauphiness.
Pages:
614
615
616
617
618
619
620
621
622
623
624
625
626
627
628
629
630
631
632
633
634
635
636
637