de Sartines would fain have ensconced himself in his own dignity.
"M. du Barry," was his reply, "I shall render an account of my
conduct to the king."
"Very well, sir," I replied, "but do not suppose that either you
or the Choiseuls can give me any cause of fear."
M. de Sartines was thunderstruck; my boldness astonished him. At
length he said,
"Madame, you are angry with me causelessly; I am more negligent
than culpable. It is useless to say this to the king."
"I will not conceal from you, sir, that he knows it all, and is
greatly discontented with you. "
"I am lost then," said M. de Sartines.
"Lost! not precisely," replied comte Jean; "but you must decide
at once and for ever what party you will join. If you are with us
they will use you harshly; if you take the opposite party look to
yourself. Choose."
After some turnings and twistings, accompanied with compliments,
M. de Sartines declared that he would range himself under our
banner. Then I extended to him my hand in token of reconciliation;
he took it with respect, and kissed it with gallantry. Up to this
time we had conversed with feelings of restraint and standing; but
now we seated ourselves, and begun a conference in form, as to the
manner of preventing a recurrence of the offensive outrages against
me. As a proof of good intention M. de Sartines told me the author
of the two articles of which I complained.
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