"
"Sire, she was my friend."
"Well, and why, is not the comtesse du Barry? Who has put it into
your head that she was opposed to you? You do not know her: she
is an excellent woman: not only has she no dislike to you, but even
desires nothing more than to be on good terms with you."
"I must believe so since your majesty assures me of it; but, sire,
the vast business with which I am overwhelmed--"
"Is not a sufficing plea; I do not allow that without a special
motive, you should declare yourself against a person whom I honor
with my protection. As you do not know her, and cannot have any
thing to urge against her but prejudices founded on false rumors
and scandalous fabrications, I engage you to sup with me at her
apartments this evening, and I flatter myself that when I wish it
you will not coin a parcel of reasons in opposition to my desire."
"I know the obedience that is due to your majesty," said
de Choiseul, bowing low.
"Well, then, do first from duty what I flatter myself you will
afterwards do from inclination. Duc de Choiseul, do not allow
yourself to be influenced by advice that will prove injurious to
you. What I ask cannot compromise you; but I should wish that
with you all should be quiet, that no one should struggle against
me, and that too with the air of contending against a person's
station. Do not reply, you know perfectly what I would say, and
I know what belongs to myself.
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