Their offers were rejected with scorn; but Louvois thought it politic to inform his own valet that, having been attacked with sudden indisposition, he had been forced to leave the court-ball, and return in a fiacre. While he was being divested of his rich dress and long curled wig, the valet went on to announce that Count Barbesieur had arrived from Italy, and was desirous of seeing his father as soon as possible. A lady also had called to see his excellency; and, having been told that he was at the great court- festival, she had replied that he would be apt to return home early, and she would await his arrival, for she had important business to transact with him.
"Where is the lady?" asked Louvois.
"She is in her carriage at the side door of the hotel. Shall I ask her in the drawing-room, your excellency?"
"Later," said Louvois. "I must first speak with my son."
"I am here," cried Barbesieur, who had silently entered the room.
"Leave us," said Louvois to the valet, "and when Count Barbesieur has retired, admit the lady. I—"
He paused, and caught at the arm-chair for support. He had become suddenly dizzy, his face grew scarlet, his eyes blood-shot, and his breathing oppressed.
The valet hastened to his assistance, and offered him a glass of water. He emptied it at a draught, but his hands shook so, that he could scarcely hold the goblet, Barbesieur had thrown himself full length on a sofa, whence he contemplated his father with the most consummate indifference.
"You ought to be bled," said he, carelessly.
"I will do so. It may relieve me," replied he, panting. "Go," added he to the valet, "go for Fagot."