or having allowed
my late interview with the king to pass in so unprofitable a manner.
However, the marechale, misconceiving the cause of this burst of grief,
exclaimed, "Come, come; it is too late now, and all your sorrow cannot
recall the last half-hour. But, mademoiselle du Barry," continued she,
"I advise you to commence your packing up at once, that when the grand
move comes you may not in your hurry, leave anything behind you."

These remarks increased my affliction, but the marechale had no
intention of wounding my feelings, and worldly-minded as she was,
considered all that could be saved out of the wreck as the only subject
worthy attention. 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Scarcely had these visitors withdrawn, than I was apprized that the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 _finis_."

"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. 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 othe