I
will say, that it is to his vigilance that I owe the overthrow of
more than one conspiracy against me. He was a warm and sincere
friend, and not at all interested in the services he rendered. He
did a great deal of good, as well as harm, in private. I know
poor families whom he has assisted with his own purse, when he
could obtain nothing for them from the king, for Louis was only
prodigal in his pleasures.
However, we dined, and Lebel praised me incessantly to the very
skies, and that with so much warmth, that I was fearful at one time
he would fall in love with me himself, and would not resign me to
another. Thank heaven, Lebel was a faithful servant.
After dinner, when we left the table, Lebel paid me some
compliments; then pulling out his watch, he spoke of an
appointment at the Marais, and left without saying a word of
seeing us again.
At this abrupt departure, comte Jean and I looked at each other
with astonishment. As for Morand, he was overjoyed.
"Well, comtesse," said he, "behold the number of your slaves
increased by an illustrious adorer. You have made a conquest of
M. Lebel, and I am certain he has gone away deeply smitten."
"I hope we shall see him again," said comte Jean.
"Do you doubt it?"
"Assure him," said I, "of the pleasure it will afford us to
receive him as he merits."
Several persons entered, and M. Morand, profiting by the bustle
which their entrance occasioned, approached me, and said, in a
low tone,
"You are in possession of his heart, will you charge me with
any message to him?"
"M.
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