every possible precaution to purify ourselves from all chance of
infection. When that is done you may venture into the apartment of his
majesty, even if that malady which at present hangs over him should turn
out to be the small-pox."

I thought but little of the consequences of our scheme, or of the
personal danger I incurred, and I promised my brother-in-law that I
would hold myself in readiness to accompany him. We then conversed
together upon the state of the king, and, what you will have some
difficulty in crediting, not one word escaped either of us relative
to our future plans or prospects; still it was the point to which the
thoughts of comte Jean must naturally have turned.

We were interrupted in our _tete-a-tete_ by the arrival of the
marechale, whose exactitude I could not but admire. Comte Jean, having
hastily paid his compliments, left us together.

"Well, my dear countess," said she, taking my hand with a friendly
pressure, "and how goes on the dear invalid?"

"Better, I hope," replied I, "and indeed, this illness, at first so
alarming to me, seems rather calculated to allay my former fears and
anxieties by affording the king calm and impartial reflection; the
result of it is that my dreaded rival of the _Parc-aux-Cerfs_ is
dismissed."

"I am delighted to hear this," replied madame de Mirepoix, "but, my dear
soul, let me caution you against too implicitly trusting these deceitful
appearances, to-morrow may destroy these flattering hopes, and the next
day--"

"Indeed!" cried I, interrupting her, "the physicians answer for his
recovery."

"And suppose they should chance to be mistaken," returned my cautious
friend, "what then? But, my dear countess, my regard or you compels me
to speak out, and to warn you of reposing in tranquillity when you ought
to be acting. Do not deceive yourself, leave nothing to chance; and if
you have any favour to ask of the king, lose no time in so doing while
yet you have the opportunity."

"And what favour would you advise me to ask?" said I

"You do not understand me, then?" exclaimed the marechale, "I say that
it is imperatively necessary for you to accept whatever the king may
feel disposed to offer you as a future provision, and as affording
you the means of passing the remainder of your days in ease and
tranquillity. What would become of you in case of the worst? Your
numerous creditors would besiege you with a rapacity, still further
excited by the support the