(and lower down) “PHILIPPEAUX”
When this letter was completed, I said to the king,
“Surely, sire, you do not mean to forget the duke’s faithful ally, M. de Praslin? It would ill become us to detain him when the head of the family has taken leave of us.”
“You are right,” replied the king, smiling; “besides, an old broom taken from a masthead would be as useful to us as he would.”
Then, turning to M. de la Vrillière, the king dictated the following laconic notice:—
“COUSIN,—I have no further occasion for your services; I exile you to Praslin, and expect you will repair thither within four and twenty hours after the receipt of this.”
“Short and sweet,” cried I.
“Now let us drop the subject,” said Louis; “let madame de Choiseul repose in peace to-night, and to-morrow morning, at eleven o’clock, go yourself, M. de la Vrillière, and carry my orders to the duke, and bring back his staff of office.”
“To whom will you give it, sire?” inquired the chancellor.
“I have not yet considered the subject,” replied the king.