GRIGNAN, Saturday, February 4, 1696.
I was right, sir, when I supposed you would be concerned at my anxiety,
and would use all the diligence in your power to relieve it. M.
Barbeirac’s prescription and your letter had wings, as you wished; and
it seems that this little fever, which appeared so low, had wings too,
for it vanished at the bare mention of M. Barbeirac’s name. Seriously,
sir, there is something miraculous in this sudden change; and I can
not doubt that your wishes and your prayers contributed to produce it.
Judge of my gratitude by their effect. My daughter goes halves with me
in all I say here; she returns you a thousand thanks, and entreats you
to give a great many to M. Barbeirac. We are happy in having no longer
any thing to do, but to take patience and rhubarb, which she finds
agree well with her. We doubt not that in this quiet state, rhubarb is
a medicine which M. Barbeirac must approve, with a regimen, which is
sometimes better than all. Thank God, sir, both for yourself and for
us; for we are certain that you are interested in this acknowledgment;
and then, sir, cast your eyes upon all the inhabitants of this château,
and judge of their sentiments for you.