Meanwhile, comte Jean, with a gloomy
and desponding air, continued silently with folded arms to pace
the room, till all at once, as if suddenly struck by the arguments
of madame de Mirepoix, he exclaimed,
"The marechale is right"; and abruptly quitted the apartment, as
if to commence his own preparations.
Ere madame de Mirepoix had left me and she remained till a late
hour, the ducs d'Aiguillon and de Cosse arrived, who, although
less experienced in their knowledge of the king's character, were
yet fully of her opinion respecting my last visit to him.
Scarcely had these visitors withdrawn, than I was apprized that
the chancellor of France desired to see me. He was admitted,
and the first glance of the countenance of M. de Maupeou convinced
me that our day of power was rapidly closing.
"Your servant, cousin," said he, seating himself without the
smallest ceremony; "at what page of our history have we arrived?"
"By the unusual freedom and effrontery of your manner," answered
I, "I should surmise that we have reached the word
."
"Oh," replied the chancellor, "I crave your pardon for having
omitted my best bow; but, my good cousin, my present visit is a
friendly one, to advise you to burn your papers with as little
delay as possible."
"Thank you for your considerate counsel," said I, coolly, " but I
have no papers to destroy. I have neither mixed with any state
intrigue, nor received a pension from the English government.
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