"
My wishes were laws to Henriette, who instantly retired to prepare
for her journey. I had not ventured to desire her to glean any
information concerning the brother of Genevieve, and yet at the
recollection of the handsome Nicolas my heart beat impetuously.
With what impatience did I await the return of Henriette! at
length she came.
"Well!" said I.
"I have found out M. Mathon," answered Henriette.
"Which, the father?"
"Yes, madam."
"And what is his present occupation?"
"As usual, madam, superintending his kitchen and shop."
"Is he alone in his business?"
"Oh, no! madam; he is assisted by his son, a fine dark handsome
young man."
"His son then lives with him?"
"Yes, madam, and he is married."
"Married!--but it is not of this young man I wish to speak, but
of his sister, of Genevieve; tell me of her."
"I only learned, madam, that she had married a tailor, named
Guerard--who, after having been very unsuccessful in business,
died suddenly, leaving her wholly destitute with two young children."
I immediately wrote the following note to my early friend:--
"The comtesse du Barry having heard of the misfortunes of madame
Guerard, and knowing how much she is deserving of a better fate,
is desirous of being useful to her. She therefore requests madame
Guerard will call next Monday, at two o'clock, on her at her
hotel, rue de la Pussienne."
Poor Genevieve nearly fainted when she received this note, which
was conveyed to her by a footman wearing my livery.
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