Now-a-days
such a mode of dissembling would be too flimsy to impose even on
children; and hypocrites are ever greater proficients in their
art than was even M. de Rumas.
Madame de Mirepoix left us alone together, in order that I might
converse more freely with him. I knew not how to begin, but
made many attempts to convey, in an indirect manner, the reasons
for his being summoned to that day's conference. However, hints
and insinuations were alike thrown away upon one who had determined
neither to use eye's nor ears but as interest pointed out the
reasonableness of so doing; and accordingly, unable longer to
repress my impatience, I exclaimed abruptly,
"Pray, sir, do you know who I am?"
"Yes, madam," replied he, with a profound bow, and look of the
deepest humility, "you are the comtesse du Barry."
"Well, sir," added I, "and you are equally well aware, no doubt,
of the relation in which I stand to the king?"
"But, madam--"
"Nay, sir, answer without hesitation; I wish you to be candid,
otherwise my exceeding frankness may displease you."
"I know, madam," replied the hypocrite, "that his majesty finds
great pleasure in your charming society."
"And yet, sir," answered I, "his majesty experiences equal delight
in the company of your wife. How answer you that, M. de Rumas?"
"My wife, madam!"
"Yes, sir, in the company of madame de Rumas; he pays her many
private visits, secretly corresponds with her--"
"The confidence of his majesty must ever honor his subjects.
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