To all this he made no reply; and as the sight of
him only increased my indignation, I at length
desired him to quit me. I trust you will pardon
me for having spoken in as queenlike a manner
as you could have done yourself.
"Adieu, my sweet friend."
This letter was far from satisfying me, and I determined upon
striking a decisive blow. I sent for Chamilly, and treating him
with all the contempt he deserved, I told him, that if the king
did not immediately give up this woman he might prepare for his
own immediate dismissal. At first Chamilly sought to appease my
anger by eager protestations of innocence, but when he found I
already knew the whole affair, and was firmly fixed in my
determination, he became alarmed, threw himself at my knees, and
promised to do all I would have him. We then agreed to tell
Louis XV some tale of madame de Rumas that should effectually
deter him from thinking further of her.
In pursuance with this resolution, Chamilly informed the king,
that he had just been informed that madame de Rumas had a lover,
who boasted of being able to turn his majesty which way he pleased,
through the intervention of his mistress. Louis XV wrote off
instantly to M. de Sartines, to have a watchful eye over the
proceedings of the Rumas family. The lieutenant of police, who
had some regard for me, and a still greater portion of fear, was
faithful to my interests, and rendered to Louis XV the most
horrible particulars of the profligate mode of life pursued by
madame de Rumas; assuring him, that from every consideration of
personal safety, his majesty should shun the acquaintance.
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