That did not comprise, it is true, Madame Elizabeth, or M. d’Agout, whom M. de Bouillé had recommended the King to take with him, but they were obliged to trust something to chance.
On the morning of the 20th, M. Moustier presented his two companions to the King.
M. Malden was to take the name of Jean, M. de Moustier the name of Melchior, and M. Valory the name of François. As for M. de Choiseul, he awaited the orders of the King at his house, Rue d’Artois, on the 20th. Up to three o’clock, he had heard nothing, and he ought to start twelve hours in advance of the King. He began to despair, when a servant entered to say that a messenger had arrived from the Queen.
He ordered the messenger to be shown up.
The fellow entered. He had a great hat thrust over his eyes, and was wrapped in an immense cloak.
It was the Queen’s hair-dresser, the famous Léonard, who has left his memoirs to posterity. He was a personage of the utmost importance.
“What, Léonard! It was not you whom I expected; but, since you are come, make yourself at home.”
“It is not my fault if I have kept you waiting, M. le Comte; but it is but ten minutes since I left the Queen to come here.”
“And she has told you nothing, given you no message?” cried the Count, astonished.