"
He made some difficulties in obeying me, but I insisted and he
went. After his departure, the duc de Richelieu, the marechale
and myself walked together in the garden. Our walk was so directed
that we could see through the colonnade every person who arrived
up the avenue. We spoke but little, and an indescribable feeling
of solemnity was mingled with the few words which passed, when,
all at once, our attention was attracted by the sight of comte
Jean, who rushed towards me in a state of frenzy.
"Accursed day," cried he, stopping when he saw us, "that wretched
girl from Versailles has brought the small-pox with her."
At this fatal news I heaved a deep sigh and fainted. I was
carried under the portico, while the poor marechale, scarcely
more in her senses than myself, stood over me weeping like a
child, while every endeavour was being made to restore me to
life. Bordeu, who chanced to be at Versailles, arrived, and
supposing it was on my account he had been summoned, hastened
to my assistance. The duc de Richelieu and comte Jean informed
him of all that had passed, upon which he requested to see the
unfortunate female immediately; while he was conducted thither,
I remained alone with the marechale and Henriette, who had come
to Trianon with my suite. My first impulse upon regaining the
use of my senses, was to throw myself in the arms of the marechale.
"What will become of me?" exclaimed I, weeping, "if the king
should take this fatal malady, he will never survive it.
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