Le petit saint, boiling with rage, with an unsteady hand, unfolded and read, in a trembling voice, the following words:
“MADAME LA COMTESSE Du Barry,—For reasons, which have for their object the preservation of the tranquillity of my kingdom, and the prevention of any state secrets confided to you being promulgated, I send this order for your immediate removal to Pont aux Dames, accompanied by one female attendant only, and under the escort of the exempt who has the necessary orders. This measure is by no means intended to be either disagreeable or of long duration. I therefore pray God to have you in his holy keeping,
“(Signed) Louis.”
“That, madam,” continued the duke, “is his majesty’s pleasure, and you have nothing to do but to submit.”
“Your advice was not asked, my lord,” returned I; “I honor and obey the king’s slightest wish, but your presence is no longer requisite; you will therefore be pleased to rid me of it.”
The duke, resuming his air of mock humility, bowed low, and departed.
When I was alone, I must confess a few tears escaped me, but I soon wiped them away; my resolution was taken.
The duchesse d’Aiguillon and my female friends hastened to question me relative to the duke’s visit. I showed them the lettre de cachet, which confirmed the misfortune they had suspected from seeing Hamond, who was to be my escort, waiting in the anteroom to conduct me to the abbey of Pont aux Dames, near Meaux, the place of my exile. They all evinced the utmost sorrow, and both Chon and my niece protested that with the king’s permission, they would willingly attend me in my seclusion. I felt grateful for this mark of attachment; then sending for the exempt, I inquired whether I might be allowed sufficient time to write a letter, and cause a few necessary preparations to be made? “Madam,” replied he, “my only orders are to accompany you to Pont aux Dames, the hour of departure is left to yourself.”
I then penned a few hasty lines to the king, indicative of my wishes for the happiness and prosperity of his reign, of my ready obedience to his commands, and of my earnest wishes that my sister-in-law and niece might be permitted to visit me. This letter I was promised should be punctually delivered. I had now the painful duty to perform of choosing between Henriette and Geneviève, as only one attendant was allowed me at Pont aux Dames. Henriette pleaded her claim as my servant, while the excellent Geneviève timidly urged her early friendship.
“Let chance decide it,” cried I. They drew lots, and Geneviève was selected.