e of the day with the exception of M. de Cosse, and I sat in
hourly expectation of some order from court. At length we descried a
travelling carriage with six horses, proceeding at a rapid pace up
the avenue. "I know that livery," exclaimed I; "'tis that of my
humble adorer, my obsequious slave, my friend at court, the duc de la
Vrilliere, commonly called _le petit saint_. You see that the good soul
could not delegate to another the pleasing task of arresting me; but
permit me to retire to my apartment; it is fitting he should seek me
there if he has any communication to make to me." The duchess, approved
my resolution; and the duc de la Vrilliere having been introduced into
the salon, after the first compliments, requested to see me, that he
might acquaint me with the king's pleasure.

Mademoiselle du Barry undertook to inform me of the duke's arrival.

"You were not mistaken, dear sister," said she; "the duc de la Vrilliere
is the bearer of the king's orders respecting you: but compose yourself,
I beseech you."

"Fear not," said I; "I am as calm as you would have me. Tell the vile
dissembler, I mean the duke, I await him."

M. Tartuffe was but a faint copy of _le petit saint_ as he presented
himself before me. His manners still retained part of their former
servility, but there was a lurking smile about him, which proved how
well he was pleased with the part he had to perform.

He approached me with lingering steps and an air of mysterious
importance, while a sort of sardonic grin contradicted the sorrow he
endeavored to force into his countenance. For my own part, I caused the
folding-doors to be thrown open, and advancing ceremoniously, stood to
receive the orders of the king. I bowed stiffly and silently; and, with
something like a malicious satisfaction, I witnessed the embarrassment
into which my cool and collected manner threw him.

"Madam," said he at last, "I have a painful duty to perform: in a word,
I am the bearer of a _lettre de cachet_."

"Well, sir!" said I, tranquilly.

"Madam, I must request you to believe how greatly I regret the task
imposed upon me; but my duty and obedience to the king--"

"Would enable you to strangle your nearest relative. All that is well
known; but, in the name of all that is base, cowardly, and unmanly,
could no one but _you_ be found to remind a distressed and afflicted
woman that she has lost her only friend and support?"

"Madam, I repeat, obedience--necessity--"