第45章

"I doubt not, sire," replied the duc de la Vauguyon, "that the respectful duty of mesdames will be ready to comply with your desires.""I trust and believe it will prove so," replied the king hastily.

"I am a good father, and would not that my daughters should give me cause to be angry with them. Let madame Adelaide understand, that she has lately had a mistaken opinion of me, and that she has an opportunity of repairing her error in the present instance.

The princesses are not ignorant that I have often shut my eyes upon certain affairs--. Enough; they must now testify their attachment for me. Why should they oppose the presentation of the comtesse? they were not so squeamish in the days of madame de Pompadour."At these latter words I could not forbear laughing. La Vauguyon and de Richelieu left us and here the conversation terminated.

The next morning they brought me a note from the duc de la Vauguyon.

Thus it ran:--

MADAME,--Ready to serve you, I wish to have a few minutes' conversation with you. Be persuaded that I will not tell you anything but what will be agreeable and useful to you."I instantly answered:--

"You are too good a friend for me to refuse to see you willingly under any circumstances, and particularly the present. Your conduct yesterday assures you my eternal regard. Come instantly;my grateful heart expects you with impatience."My sister-in-law, to whom I showed this correspondence, said to me, "This gentleman does not come to see you for your bright eyes; and yet his visit is not disinterested.""What interest can he have to serve?"

"None of his own, perhaps; but those villainous Jesuits.""Don't you like them, sister of mine?"

"I hate nobody."

M. de la Vauguyon arrived; and as soon as we were alone, he said to me,"Well, madame, I am now on the point of going to fight your battles. I have to deal with a redoubtable foe.""Do you fear?"

"Why, I am not over confident; my position is a delicate one.