She then saw the scene we had prepared for her: she wished herself
a hundred leagues off: but she could do nothing, but remain where
she was. I took her by the hand, all trembling as she was, and
presented her to the king, saying,
"Sire, I now do for this lady, in my own drawing-room, what she
will have the kindness to do for me at the state-chamber."
"Ah," replied the king, "is it madame de Bearn that you present
to me? I am indeed delighted. Her husband was one of my faithful
servants: I was much pleased with her son when he was one of
pages, and I perceive that she herself is desirous of testifying
to me her attachment to my person. I thank you, madame; you
cannot confer a greater favor on me, and I shall embrace every
opportunity of proving to you how much satisfaction your conduct
affords me."
Each word that the king uttered went to the heart of the countess.
However, making a virtue of necessity, she replied, that she was
proud and happy at what the king had said to her, and that it
would be her constant aim to please his majesty, flattering
herself that the king would remember the services of the Bearn
family, and would think of her in the dispensation of his bounties.
"You may rely on it, madame," replied Louis XV, "especially if
the comtesse du Barry applies to me in your behalf."
Then, turning towards me, "When, then, is this redoubtable
presentation to take place?"
"On the day, sire, when your majesty shall think proper," I replied.
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