“And, with all that, what can we accomplish?”
“We may retard the catastrophe, perhaps, but certainly we cannot prevent it, although I can answer for the assistance of a powerful auxiliary, the Marquis de Lafayette.”
“Is not Lafayette a republican?”
“As far as a Lafayette can be a republican. If we are absolutely to submit to the level of equality, believe me, we had better choose the level of nobility. I like equality that elevates, and not that which lowers mankind.”
“And you can answer for Lafayette?”
“Yes, so long as we shall require nothing of him but honor, courage, and devotedness.”
“Well, then, speak; tell me what is it you desire?”
“A letter of introduction to his Majesty, Louis XVI.”
“A man of your worth does not need a letter of introduction; he may present himself without it.”
“No, it suits me that I should be your creature; it is part of my project to be presented by you.”
“And what is your ambition?”
“To become one of the king’s physicians in ordinary.”
“Oh, there is nothing more easy. But the queen?”
“When I have once seen the king, that will be my own affair.”
“But if she should persecute you?”
“Then I will make the king assert his will.”
“The king assert his will? You will be more than a man if you accomplish that.”
“He who can control the physical part of a man, must be a great simpleton indeed if he does not some day succeed in controlling the mind.”
“But do you not think that having been imprisoned in the Bastille is but a sorry recommendation for you, who wish to become the king’s physician.”
“On the contrary, it is the very best. Have I not been, according to you, persecuted for the crime of philosophy?”
“I fear such is the case.”
“Then the king will vindicate his reputation; the king will become popular by taking as his physician a pupil of Rousseau, a partisan of the new doctrines,—a prisoner who has left the Bastille, in short. The first time you see him, make him duly weigh the advantage of such a course.”
“You are always in the right; but when once you are employed by the king, can I rely upon you?”
“Entirely, so long as you shall follow the line of politics which we shall adopt.”
“What will you promise me?”
“To warn you of the precise moment when you must retreat.”
Necker looked at Gilbert for a moment; then in a more thoughtful tone:—
“Indeed; that is the greatest service which a devoted friend can render to a minister, for it is the last one.”
And he seated himself at his table to write to the king.
While he was thus occupied, Gilbert was again examining the letter demanding his arrest; he several times repeated,—
“The Countess de Charny? Who can she be?”
“Here, sir,” said Necker, a few moments after, while he presented Gilbert with the letter he had just written.
Gilbert took the letter and read it.
It contained the following lines:—
SIRE,—Your Majesty needs the services of a trustworthy person, with whom you may converse upon your affairs. My last gift, my last service in leaving the king, is the present I make him of Doctor Gilbert.
It will be sufficient for me to tell your Majesty that Doctor Gilbert is not only one of the most skilful physicians living, but also the author of the works entitled “Administrations and Politics,” which made so lively an impression upon your mind.
At your Majesty’s feet,
BARON DE NECKER.
Necker did not date the letter, and gave it to Doctor Gilbert, closed only with an ordinary seal.
“And now,” added he, “I am again at Brussels, am I not?”
“Yes, certainly, and more so than ever. To-morrow morning, at all events, you shall hear from me.”
The baron struck against the panel in a peculiar manner. Madame de Staël again appeared; only this time, in addition to her branch of pomegranate, she held one of Doctor Gilbert’s pamphlets in her hands.
She showed him the title of it with a sort of flattering coquetry.
Gilbert took leave of Monsieur de Necker, and kissed the hand of the baroness, who accompanied him to the door of the cabinet.