This she most solemnly denied, and recommended me
to make inquiries amongst my friends, who would be compelled to
bear testimony to the truth of all she had asserted. I determined
to do so; and the first person whom I was enabled to interrogate
respecting the affair was the bishop de Senlis. This prelate
came frequently to see me, and I found his society each day more
pleasing. He served me as a kind of gazette of all that passed
with the princesses, in whose opinion I had still the misfortune
not to be in the very highest estimation. When occasion required
it, M. de Roquelaure would venture to take my part, and that
without making a single enemy; for who could be offended with
one so affable, so good, so full of kindness towards all? In
fact, the worthy bishop was so fortunate as to obtain the love of
every person who knew him; and, in the most select society of
opposing parties, each would reserve a place for good M. de Roquelaure.
When I questioned him as to his knowledge of the affair, his
embarrassment was evident.
"What a world is this! "cried he. "Why, let me ask, do you
listen to those who repeat such mortifying tales to you?"
"Because, my lord, my friends will not see me made the sport of a
heartless and perfidious friend; and, if you entertain the slightest
regard for me, I conjure you to tell me all you know upon the subject."
"And do you, my good madam, conceive that it would become my
sacred
calling to speak ill of my neighbour? besides, surely you
would not attach any belief to the idle reports spread about the
castle by ill-disposed persons?"
"All this has nothing to do with my question, my lord," resumed I.
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