When I got to the Queen's inner closet I found her alone with the King; a chair and a small table were ready placed opposite to them, and upon the table lay an enormous manuscript in several books.

The King said to me, "There is Beaumarchais's comedy; you must read it to us.

You will find several parts troublesome on account of the erasures and references.

I have already run it over, but I wish the Queen to be acquainted with the work.
You will not mention this reading to any one." I began.

The King frequently interrupted me by praise or censure, which was always just.