It was made of silver gilt, and china slabs beautifully painted.
When I opened it, a glass was lifted which reflected my countenance.
I sat down and wrote the following note to the duc d'Aiguillon:--
"You must be content. I want your assistance, I
really want it. The moment has come for deserving
all my confidence. Will you have it at all risks and
perils? Reflect well before you undertake this: if
you accept, come to-day at five o'clock precisely,
neither later nor sooner."
A little while afterwards the following reply was brought.
"One thing displeases me in your letter which else
enchants me. You appear to doubt my obedience.
Am I not your slave? And when you say to me
,
will I not ? Rely on me as on yourself; even
more: for your vivacity may lead you into error,
and I shall preserve my reason. Yes, madame, I
will, when near you, preserve my reason when your
interests are at stake. At the fixed hour I shall
have the honor to lay at your feet my respectful
homage and boundless devotion."
It was impossible to express a real sentiment with more delicacy.
I was charmed at it, no longer doubting that the duke would
consider my interests as his own. I awaited the hour of five
with impatience, when my good fortune brought the prince de
Soubise. After the first compliments,
"Well, madame la comtesse, when is your presentation to take place?"
"I do not know, monsieur le marechal; there are obstacles in the
way.
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