Lamothe-Langon, Etienne Leon, baron de, 1786-1864
"Memoirs of the Comtesse Du Barry, with minute details of her entire career as favorite of Louis XV. Written by herself"
"
"The
king!" exclaimed I. "His majesty is not yet dead,
madame la marechale."
"I know that, but he will die; and by speaking of the event as
if it had already taken place, we prepare our minds to meet the
blow with greater resignation when it does fall. I am much
concerned, I can assure you; but let us quit the close confined
air of this corridor, and go where we may breathe a purer atmosphere."
She took me by the arm with a greater familiarity than she had
ever before assumed, and led the way to my chamber, where I
found the duc de la Vrilliere awaiting me, to request I would
return to the king, who had asked for me more than once. This
consummate hypocrite seized the present opportunity of renewing
his assurances of an unalterable attachment to me, vowing an
eternal friendship. I was weak enough to believe him, and when
I gave him my hand in token of reconciliation, I espied the marechale
standing behind him, making signals to me to distrust his professions.
I know not the reason of this conduct on the part of the duc de l
a Vrilliere, but I can only suppose it originated in his considering
the king in less danger than he was said to be; however, I suffered
him to lead me to the chamber of the invalid. When Louis XV
saw me return, he inquired why I had quitted him? I replied,
because I was fearful of wearying him; upon which he assured
me, that he only felt easy and comfortable so long as I was with him.
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