"The parish priest of Meudon, who used to look in every evening before he went home, had found all the doors open, the valets distracted, Fagon heaping remedy upon remedy without waiting for them to take effect.

He entered the room, and hurrying to Monseigneur's bedside, took his hand and spoke to him of God.
The poor prince was fully conscious, but almost speechless.

He repeated distinctly a few words, others inarticulately, smote his breast, pressed the priest's hand, appeared to have the most excellent sentiments, and received absolution with an air of contrition and wistfulness." [Memoires de St.Simon, ix.] Meanwhile word had been sent to the king, who arrived quite distracted.

The Princess of Conti, his daughter, who was deeply attached to Monseigneur, repulsed him gently: "You must think only of yourself now, Sir," she said.

The king let himself sink down upon a sofa, asking news of all that came out of the room, without any one's daring to give him an answer.