How different was the
style of our present conversation to that of the preceding evening;
no sound of gaiety was heard; hushed alike were the witty
repartee, and the approving laugh which followed it. Now, we
spoke but by fits and starts, with eye and ear on the watch to
catch the slightest sound, whilst the most trifling noise, or the
opening of a door, made us start with trepidation and alarm.
The time appeared to drag on to an interminable length.
At last the duc de Richelieu made his appearance.
"Well, my friends," said he, "the king is to be removed to
Versailles, spite of your wishes, madam, spite of his own royal
inclination, and against mine, likewise. La Martiniere has
thundered forth his edict, and poor Bordeu opposed him in vain.
His majesty, who expresses a wish to remain here, stated his
pleasure to La Martiniere.
'"Sire,' answered the obstinate physician, 'it cannot be. You
are too ill to be permitted to take your choice in the matter,
and to the chateau at Versailles you must be removed.'
"'Your words imply my being dangerously indisposed,' said the
king, inquiringly.
"'Your majesty is sufficiently ill to justify every precaution,
and to require our best cares. You must return to the chateau;
Trianon is not healthy; you will be much better at Versailles.'
"'Upon my word, doctor,' replied the king, 'your words are far
from consoling; there must be danger, then, in my present sickness?'
"'There would be considerable danger were you to remain here,
whilst it is very probable you may avoid any chance of it by
following my directions with regard to an immediate removal
to Versailles.
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