llent marechale gave me a
friendly kiss, returned to her carriage, and I saw her no more during my
stay at Ruel.

The evening brought with it a second letter from the duc d'Aiguillon, it
was as follows:--

"MADAM,--I hasten to acquaint you with the pleasing information of his
majesty being considerably better; his strength appears to have returned,
and he himself, in the consciousness of improving health, expressed
aloud his regret for having been so hasty in advising your removal from
him. He has continually repeated, 'How weak and selfish of me thus to
afflict my dearest countess! would you not advise me, my friend,
to request her immediate return?' Of course, my reply was in the
affirmative. His majesty then put the same question to the duc de
Richelieu, who answered, that in his opinion it was the best plan he
could decide upon. The bulletin signed by the different physicians
accompanies this: it leaves me nothing to add but to recommend your
bearing with patience this temporary absence from court, to which you
will ere long return, more idolized, more sought after, than ever. The
duc de la Vrilliere and the abbe Terray present the assurance of their
unbounded respect and devotion, etc., etc."

The duchess, my sister-in-law, and niece shared in joy at such
gratifying intelligence, and the ensuing day brought a concourse of
visitors to Ruel; indeed, any one might have supposed that fresh swarms
of flatterers and courtiers had been created only to swell my numbers
of humble and obsequious adorers. I bestowed on each unmeaning guest a
smiling welcome, for indeed, my heart was too light and I felt too happy
to be enabled to frown even upon those who, when the storm appeared
near, had basely deserted me.

It was amusing enough to see with what zeal any person, whom I had
previously recommended was assisted by the various ministers in the
pursuit of their object; the _petit saint_ found himself all at once at
leisure to pay his respects to me. He confirmed all the kind messages
sent me by the king through the duc d'Aiguillon. Madame de Mirepoix,
who had visited me the preceding evening, reserved her next call for the
following day, but a few hours effected a cruel change in my fortune.

CHAPTER XLVI

A third letter from the duke--The king receives extreme
unction--Letter from madame Victoire to the dauphin--M. de
Machault--A promenade with the duc de Cosse--Kind attention
from the prince