I sent her woman in; she put on her gown and retired to her boudoir with the Duchess.

Very soon afterwards the Comte d'Artois arrived from Compiegne, where he had been with the King.

He eagerly inquired where the Queen was; remained half an hour with her and the Duchess; and on coming out told me the Queen asked for me.

I found her seated on the couch by the side of her friend; her features had resumed their usual cheerful and gracious appearance.

She held out her hand to me, and said to the Duchess, "I know I have made her so uncomfortable this morning that I must set her poor heart at ease." She then added, "You must have seen, on some fine summer's day, a black cloud suddenly appear and threaten to pour down upon the country and lay it waste.