de
Ribaumont was daily visited by the Abbe Montagu, was in the best
possible dispositions, and would receive the last sacraments of our
Church.
I knew not what to believe. All I was sure of was that I must be
wanted, and that it would break my heart not to see my dearest
brother again. Mademoiselle was a kind mistress, and she consented
to my leaving her, and there was no danger in ladies traveling,
though a good deal of difficulty in getting horses.
At last, however, I found myself at my own door, and in one moment
satisfied myself that my brother was living, and better. My mother
was in the salon, in conversation with M. de Poligny, who had the
good judgment to withdraw.
'Ah! my dear,' she said, 'we have had frightful scenes! I had almost
gained my dear son's soul, but alas! it might have been at the cost
of his life, and I could not but be weak enough to rejoice when your
sister's obstinacy snatched him from me. After all one is a mother!
and the good Abbe says a pure life and invincible ignorance will
merit acceptance! Besides, the Duke of Gloucester did him the honour
to sit an hour by him every day.'
I asked for my sister, and heard that she was with him. For, though
my mother said poor Annora's ungovernable impetuosity had done him so
much harm, nay, nearly killed him, he was now never so tranquil as
when she was in his sight, and the English physician, who had been
sent by the King himself, declared that his life still depended on
his being kept free from all agitation.
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