"
"If so," cried I, "the conduct of both the king and the duc de la
Vrilliere is abominable and unpardonable."
"Why, bless your heart, my dear," exclaimed the marechale, "do
you expect that his majesty should recollect all the pretty
women he has intrigued with, any more than the poor duke can be
expected to keep a list in his memory of the different persons
he has sent to a prison? He would require a prodigious recollection
for such a purpose." This unfeeling reply filled me with indignation,
and redoubled the pity I already felt for the poor prisoners. I
immediately despatched a note to the duc de Saint Florentin,
requesting he would come to me without delay: he hastened to obey
my summons. When he had heard my recital he remained silent
some minutes, as though collecting his recollections upon the
subject, and then replied,
"I do indeed remember that some obscure female was confined in
the chateau of the isle Sainte Marguerite at the request of madame
de Pompadour, but I cannot now say, whether at the death of the
marchioness any person thought of interceding for her release."
"That is precisely what I wish to ascertain," cried I; "return to
your offices, monsieur le duc, and use your best endeavors to
discover whether this unfortunate girl and her parent are still
in confinement; nor venture again in my presence until you have
despatched the order for their deliverance: you will procure a
conveyance for them from their prison to Paris at the expense of
government.
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