During the whole of the day he was in the greatest
agitation. His future destiny was, in a measure, attached to my
fortune; he knew that his whole existence depended on mine; and
he expected from me powerful support to defend him against the
pack of his enemies, who were yelping open-mouthed against him.
He stood in need of all his strength of mind and equanimity to
conceal the disquietude and perplexity by which he was internally agitated.
The comte Jean also participated in this great joy. His situation
at court was not less doubtful; he had no longer reason to blush
for his alliance with me, and could now form, without excess of
presumption, the most brilliant hopes of the splendor of his
house. His son, the vicomte Adolphe, was destined to high fortune;
and I assure you that I deeply regretted when a violent and
premature death took him away from his family. My presentation
permitted his father to realize the chimera which he had pursued
with so much perseverance. He flattered himself in taking part
with me. I did not forget him in the distribution of my rewards;
and the king's purse was to him a source into which he frequently
dipped with both hands.
The next day I had a visit from the chancellor.
"Now," said he, "you are at the height of your wishes, and we
must arrange matters, that the king shall find perpetual and varied
amusements, with you. He does not like large parties; a small
circle is enough for him; then he is at his ease, and likes to see
the same faces about him.
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