The prince de
Soubise had followed the example of madame de Flaracourt, and
had quitted Trianon; it seemed as though the hour for defection
were already arrived. A summons now arrived from his majesty
who wished to see me. I lost not a moment in repairing to his
apartment, where I found him in bed, apparently in much pain and
uneasiness. He received me tenderly, took my hands in his, and
kissed them; then exclaimed,
"I feel more indisposed than I can describe, a weight seems
pressing on my chest, and universal languor appears to chain my
faculties both of body and mind. I should like to see
La Martiniere."
"And would you not likewise wish to have the advice of Bordeu?"
"'Yes," said he, "let both come, they are both clever men, and
I have full confidence in their skill. But do you imagine that
my present illness will be of a serious nature?"
"By no means, sire," returned I, "merely temporary, I trust
and believe."
"Perhaps I took more wine than agreed with me last evening; but
where is the marechale?"
"In my chamber with madame de Forcalquier."
"And the prince de Soubise?"
"He has taken flight," replied I, laughing.
"I suppose so," returned Louis XV, "he could not bear a long
absence from Paris; company he must have."
"In that respect he resembles you, sire, for you generally consider
company as a necessary good."
He smiled, and then closing his eyes remained for some minutes
silent and motionless, after a while he said,
"My head is very heavy, so farewell, my sweet friend, I will
endeavour to get some sleep.
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