The duc d'Aiguillon,
whom I styled my uncle, was endeavoring to lead Rousseau into
conversation, when the outer bell rang. Therese went to open
the door, and a gentleman entered, of mature age, although still
preserving his good looks. The duke regarded him in silence and
immediately made signs for me to hasten our departure; I obeyed,
and took leave of Rousseau, with many thanks his punctuality. He
accompanied us as before to door, and there I quitted him never
to see him more. As we were descending the staircase, M. d'Aiguillon
told me that the person who had so hastened our departure was
Duclas, and that his hurry to quit Rousseau arose from his dread
of being recognised by him. Although M. Duclas was a very excellent
man, I must own that I owed no small grudge for a visit which had
thus abridged ours.
In the evening the duc d'Aiguillon and myself related to the king
our morning's pilgrimage. I likewise recounted my former visit,
which I had concealed until now. Louis XV seemed greatly interested
with the recital of it; he asked me a thousand questions, and would
fain hear the most trifling particulars.
"I shall never forget," said Louis XV, "the amazing success
obtained by his '
' There certainly were some
beautiful airs", and the king began to hum over the song of
""Yes, madam," continued his majesty, " I promise you, that had
Rousseau after his success chosen to step forward as a candidate
for public favour, he would soon have overthrown Voltaire.
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