Charny arrived safely, however, and the next day the doctor found him so well, that he told him he thought he would require him no longer.
He received a visit from his uncle, and from an officer sent by the king to inquire after him. At the end of a week he could ride slowly on horseback: then the doctor advised him to go for a time to his estates in Picardy to regain strength. He accordingly took leave of the king, charged M. de Suffren with his adieus to the queen, who was ill that evening, and set off for his château at Boursonnes.
CHAPTER LIV.
TWO BLEEDING HEARTS.
On the day following the queen’s visit to M. de Charny, Madlle. de Taverney entered the royal bedroom as usual at the hour of the petite toilette. The queen was just laughing over a note from Madame de la Motte. Andrée, paler than usual, looked cold and grave: the queen, however, being occupied, did not notice it, but merely turning her head, said in her usual friendly tone, “Bon jour, petite.” At last, however, Andrée’s silence struck her, and looking up she saw her sad expression and said, “Mon Dieu! Andrée, what is the matter? Has any misfortune happened to you?”
“Yes, madame, a great one.”
“What is it?”
“I am going to leave your majesty.”
“Leave me!”
“Yes, madame.”
“Where are you going? and what is the cause of this sudden departure?”