[287] Angélique Claire d’Angennes, M. de Grignan’s first wife.
Friday Evening.
It seems, by your thanks, as if you were giving me my dismissal; but I
will not receive it yet. I intend to write to you whenever I please,
and as soon as I have the verses from Pont-neuf, I shall send them to
you. Our dear friend is still upon the road: it was reported that he
had been ill; every body exclaimed, “What! already?” It was reported
also that M. d’Artagnan had sent to court to know what he was to do
with his sick prisoner, and that he had been answered unfeelingly,
that he must proceed with him, however ill he might be. This is all
false: but it shows the general feeling, and the danger of furnishing
materials with which to build whatever horrid castles we please.
Pecquet and Lavalée are still in the Bastille: this conduct is truly
unaccountable. The chamber will be resumed after the Epiphany.
I should think the poor exiles must be arrived ere this at the place of
their destination. When our poor friend has reached his, I will inform
you; for we must follow him to Pignerol: would to God we could bring
him thence to the place we wish![288] And how much longer, my dear sir,
will be your exile? I often think of this. A thousand compliments to
your father. I have been told your wife is here: I shall call upon her.
I supped last night with one of your lady friends, and we talked of
paying you a visit.
[288] It was the general opinion that Fouquet died in prison in
the year 1680. See _Le Siècle de Louis XIV_, and the note at the
beginning of the letter dated April 3, 1680.