"
I could not feel offended with the marechale for addressing me
thus, but I could not help fancying the moment was ill chosen,
and unable to frame an answer to my mind, I remained silent.
Mistaken as to the cause of my taciturnity, she continued,
"Come, I am well pleased to see you thus reflecting upon what
I have said; but lose no time, strike the iron while it is hot.
Do as I have recommended either to-night or early to-morrow;
possibly, after that time it may be too late. May I venture also
to remind you of your friends, my dear countess. I am in great
trouble just now, and I trust you will not refuse to obtain for
me, from his majesty, a favour of which I stand in the utmost
need--50,000 francs would come very seasonably; I have lost that
sum at cards, and must pay it, but how I know not."
"Let not that distress you," said I, "for I can relieve you of
that difficulty until the king's convalescence enables him to
undertake the pleasing office of assisting your wishes. M. de
Laborde has orders to honour all my drafts upon him, I will
therefore draw for the sum you require." So saying, I hastily
scrawled upon a little tumbled piece of paper those magic words,
which had power to unlock the strong coffers of a court banker.
The marechale embraced me several times with the utmost vivacity.
"You are my guardian angel," cried she, "you save me from despair.
But, tell me, my generous friend, do you think M.
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