e and Europe.

Much as their presence constrained me, I still kept my place beside the
sick-bed of his majesty, who would not suffer me to leave him for a
minute.

At an early hour the marechale de Mirepoix returned, according to her
promise. I met her in the corridor as I was passing along on my way to
the king's apartment; her face was full of cheerful smiles.

"How greatly am I obliged to you for your prompt succour," said she,
without even inquiring after my health or that of the king. "Do you
know, I was but just in time; ten minutes later, and I should have been
refused payment for your cheque. M. de Laborde, who was so devotedly
your friend only yesterday, counted out to me the glittering coin I
was so anxious to obtain. He even accompanied me to my carriage, when
behold, just at the moment, when, with his hat in his hand, he was most
gallantly bowing, and wishing me a pleasant journey, a courier arrived
from Versailles bringing him the news of the king's illness. He looked
so overwhelmed with consternation and alarm, that I could not prevent
myself from bursting into a hearty fit of laughter, nor has my gaiety
forsaken me up to the present moment."

"You are very fortunate," said I, "to be enabled thus to preserve your
good spirits."

"My dear creature, I would fain cheat time of some of his claims upon
me. But now I think of it, what is the matter since I was here? Is the
king worse, and what is this I hear whispered abroad of the small-pox?"

"Alas, madam," answered I, much hurt at the insensibility she displayed,
"we run but too great danger of losing our friend and benefactor for
ever."

"Dear me, how very shocking! But what has he settled on you? What have
you asked him for?"

"Nothing!" replied I, coolly.

"Nothing! very admirable, indeed; but, my good soul, these fine
sentiments sometimes leave people to eat the bread of charity. So,
then, you have not followed my advice. Once more, I repeat, lose not the
present opportunity, and, in your place, I would set about securing my
own interest without one instant's delay."

"That I could not do, madam," said I; "it is wholly foreign to my nature
to take advantage of the weakness of a dying man."

"Dying man!" repeated the marechale incredulously, "come, come, he is
not dead yet; and whilst there is life there is hope; and I suppose
you have carried your ideas of disinterestedness so far as to omit
mentioning your friends, likewise. You will never