"
The duke hastened to me full of terror and alarm.
"Your letter has really frightened me," said he; "what can be the
matter? Surely the life of his majesty is not in danger?"
"Too truly is it," answered I; "but sit down, and you shall know
all the affair. The marechale is already aware of the matter
and need not withdraw."
The duke listened with extreme attention to the recital of my
interview in the grove surrounding the Baths of Apollo, as well
as to the account of the discourse I had held there with the
strange female. I endeavoured to relate the conversation as
minutely and accurately as possible, but still the duke sought
further particulars. He inquired the style of countenance, dress,
manner, and tone of voice possessed by the
. One
might have supposed, by the closeness of his questions, that he
already fancied he had identified this mysterious personage: he
then examined the box, which stood on the table, and remarked,
"This is a very serious affair, nor can I undertake the management
of it alone; it involves a too great responsibility. Spite of the
lady's assertions, I am confident the fullest confidence might
be placed in all the ministers. However, I will first have a
conference with M. de Saint-Florentin and the chancellor, in
whose presence I will send for the lieutenant of police; and the
contents of these bottles shall be immediately analyzed.
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