“Can it be, sire, that you will permit this unfortunate young man to be the eternal victim of so unprincipled a woman?”
“What would you have me do?” said Louis; “how can I interfere without compromising the reputation of madame d’Egmont?”
“Allow me to say,” replied I, “that this fear ought not to prevent your majesty’s interference. You are father of your subjects; and the respect you entertain for madame d’Egmont should not outweigh your duty, which imperatively calls upon you to command the release of this wretched young man.”
“But,” argued the king, “by such a step I shall for ever disoblige the duc de Richelieu and his family.”
“Fear it not,” cried I, “if your majesty will trust to me, I will undertake to bring the maréchal and his nephew to approve of your proceedings; and as for the rest of his family, let them go where they will; for the empire of the world I should be sorry to bear them company.”
This manner of speaking pleased the king; and, turning to M. de Sartines, “Lieutenant of police,” said he, “you have heard my fair chancellor; you will act in strict conformity with the orders she will transmit you from me.”
“Then take these orders now, sir,” said I: “in the first place, this ill-treated young Moireau must immediately be set at liberty, and my own police (for I must tell you I had them) will give me the faithful account of all your proceedings in this affair.”
The king comprehended my meaning. “You will keep a careful watch,” added he to M. de Sartines, “that no harm befalls this unfortunate youth, whom, I beg, you will discreetly recommend to quit France ere the malice of those who have reason to fear his reappearance works him some evil.”
“And who, sire,” asked I, “shall dare injure one whom your majesty deigns to honor with your protection?”
“Madame,” replied M. de Sartines, “even his majesty’s high patronage cannot prevent a secret blow from some daring hand; a quarrel purposely got up; a beverage previously drugged; a fall from any of the bridges into the river; or, even the supposition of one found dead, having destroyed himself.”