In such a case madame de
Pompadour would have admitted a rival near the throne."
"Madame de Pompadour was very amiable, my dear," I replied, "and
I would have done so once or twice, but the part of Mother Gourdan
does not suit me; I prefer that of her young ladies."
At these words the marechale laughed, whilst I made a long grave
face. At this instant comte Jean entered, and exclaimed,
"Really, ladies, you present a singular contrast. May I ask you,
sister, what causes this sorrow? What ails you?"
"Oh, brother!" was my response, "the king is dying of ennui."
"That is no marvel," said my brother-in-law.
"And to rouse him," I added, "it is necessary, the marechale says,
that I must take a pretty girl by the hand, and present her to
the king with these words: 'Sire, having found that you grow
tired of me, I present this lady to you, that you may amuse
yourself with her."
'That would be very fine," replied comte Jean; "it would show
him that you had profited by my advice." Then, whispering in my
ear, "You know, sister, I am capable of the greatest sacrifices
for the king."
"What are you saying, Comte Jean?" asked the marechale, who
had heard some words.
"I said to my sister," answered he, coolly, "that she ought to be
executed to please the king."
"And you, too, brother," I cried.
"Yes, sister," said he, with a theatrical tone, "I see the dire
necessity, and submit to it unrepiningly.
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