"
We had by this time reached the bottom of the staircase which
conducted to my apartments; we ascended the stairs rapidly, and
the first person I met in the anteroom was Henriette.
"Henriette," said I, "has any thing been brought for me during
my absence?"
"Nothing except a box of orange-flower water from Michel the
perfumer's, which I presume you ordered, madam."
A glance of mutual surprise and consternation passed between the
marechale and myself. We entered my chamber, where madame de
Mirepoix opened the fatal box; it contained the four bottles
exactly as had been described. We regarded each other in profound
silence, not daring to communicate our reflections. However, it
was requisite to take some steps, and, catching up a pen, I hastily
wrote the following billet to the duc d'Aiguillon,
"MONSIEUR LE DUC,-- Whatever may be the affairs
with which you are at present occupied, I pray of
you to throw them aside, and hasten to me instantly
upon receipt of this. Nothing can equal in importance
the subject upon which I wish to see you; I cannot
now explain myself fully, but prepare for news of
the most horrible description, and it refers to the
safety and preservation of the most valuable life
in the kingdom. I cannot delay time by writing
more; I can only beseech of you not to lose one
moment in obeying this summons. Adieu; fail not
to come and bring me back this note.
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