Nothing will be found in my drawers but some unanswered
billets-doux."
"Then as I can do nothing for you, my good cousin, oblige me by
giving this paper to the duc d'Aiguillon."
"What is it?" inquired I, with much curiosity.
"Have you forgotten our mutual engagement to support each other,
and not to quit the ministry until the other retired also? I have
lately been compelled (from perceiving how deeply the duke was
manoeuvering against me) to send him a copy of this agreement.
Under other circumstances I might have availed myself of this
writing, but now it matters not; the blow which dismisses me
proceeds from other hands than his, and I am willing to leave
him the consolation of remaining in power a few days after myself.
Give him, then, this useless document; and now, farewell, my
pretty cousin, let us take a last embrace."
Upon which the chancellor, presuming until the last upon our
imaginary relationship, kissed my cheek, and having put into my
hands the paper in question, retired with a profound bow.
This ironical leave taking left me stupefied with astonishment,
and well I presaged my coming disgrace from the absurd mummery
the chancellor had thought fit to play off.
Comte Jean, who had seen M. de Maupeou quit the house, entered
my apartment to inquire the reason of his visit. Silent and
dejected, I allowed my brother-in-law to take up the paper,
which he read without any ceremony.
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