No
person came near us the whole of the day with the exception of
M. de Cosse, and I sat in hourly expectation of some order from
court. At length we descried a travelling carriage with six
horses, proceeding at a rapid pace up the avenue. "I know that
livery," exclaimed I; " 'tis that of my humble adorer, my
obsequious slave, my friend at court, the duc de la Vrilliere,
commonly called
. You see that the good soul
could not delegate to another the pleasing task of arresting me;
but permit me to retire to my apartment; it is fitting he should
seek me there if he has any communication to make to me." The
duchess, approved my resolution; and the duc de la Vrilliere
having been introduced into the salon, after the first compliments,
requested to see me, that he might acquaint me with the
king's pleasure.
Mademoiselle du Barry undertook to inform me of the duke's arrival.
"You were not mistaken, dear sister," said she; "the duc de la
Vrilliere is the bearer of the king's orders respecting you: but
compose yourself, I beseech you."
"Fear not," said I; "I am as calm as you would have me. Tell
the vile dissembler, I mean the duke, I await him"
M. Tartuffe was but a faint copy of as he presented
himself before me. His manners still retained part of their former
servility, but there was a lurking smile about him, which proved
how well he was pleased with the part he had to perform.
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