" I replied, "but he is desirous of sleeping."

"So much the worse," observed the duc de Cosse; "I should have thought
better of his case had he been more wakeful."

"Are you aware of the most imperative step for you to take?" inquired
the marechale de Mirepoix.

"No," said I, "what is it?"

"To keep his majesty at Trianon," replied she; "it will be far better
for you that the present illness should take its course at Trianon
rather than at Versailles."

"I second that advice," cried the duc de Richelieu, who just then
entered the room; "yes, yes, as madame de Mirepoix wisely observes, this
is the place for the king to be ill in."

"But," exclaimed I, "must we not be guided by the physicians' advice?"

"Do you make sure of Bordeu," said the duke, "and I will speak to La
Martiniere."

M. de Cosse took me aside, and assured me that I might rely upon him
in life or death. When we had conversed together for some minutes, I
besought of him to leave the place as early as possible; "Take madame de
Forcalquier with you," said I, "your presence just now at Trianon would
be too much commented upon."

He made some difficulties in obeying me, but I insisted and he went.
After his departure, the duc de Richelieu, the marechale and myself
walked together in the garden. Our walk was so directed that we could
see through the colonnade every person who arrived up the avenue. We
spoke but little, and an indescribable feeling of solemnity was mingled
with the few words which passed, when, all at once, our attention was
attracted by the sight of comte Jean, who rushed towards me in a state
of frenzy.

"Accursed day," cried he, stopping when he saw us, "that wretched girl
from Versailles has brought the small-pox with her."

At this fatal news I heaved a deep sigh and fainted. I was carried under
the portico, while the poor marechale, scarcely more in her senses than
myself, stood over me weeping like a child, while every endeavour
was being made to restore me to life. Bordeu, who chanced to be at
Versailles, arrived, and supposing it was on my account he had been
summoned, hastened to my assistance. The duc de Richelieu and comte Jean
informed him of all that had passed, upon which he requested to see
the unfortunate female immediately; while he was conducted thither, I
remained alone with the marechale and Henriette, who had come to Trianon
with my suite. My first impulse upon regaining the use of my senses, was
to throw mys