"
The king comprehended my meaning. "You will keep a careful watch,"
added he to M. de Sartines, "that no harm befalls this unfortunate
youth, whom, I beg, you will discreetly recommend to quit France
ere the malice of those who have reason to fear his reappearance
works him some evil."
"And who, sire," asked I, "shall dare injure one whom your
majesty deigns to honor with your protection?"
"Madame," replied M. de Sartines, "even his majesty's high patronage
cannot prevent a secret blow from some daring hand; a quarrel
purposely got up; a beverage previously drugged; a fall from any
of the bridges into the river; or, even the supposition of one
found dead, having destroyed himself."
"You make me shudder," said I, "in thus unveiling the extent of
human depravity. So, then, this young man, whose only fault
appears to have been that captivating the eyes of a noble lady,
should perish in a dungeon, or save his life at the sacrifice of
country, friends, connections; and all this for having listened to
the passion of a woman, as licentious in manners as illustrious
by birth: this frightful injustice rouses all my indignation.
Well, then, since the power of the monarch of France is insufficient
to protect his oppressed subject in his own realms, let him
shield him from want in a foreign land, by allowing him a pension
of one hundred louis. I will take upon myself to defray the
expenses of his journey.
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