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72 of her but what were full of respect; so far from it, that I was deeply in love with madam de Themines; anyone that sees her may easily judge, 'tis very possible for one to be greatly in love with her, when one is beloved by her; and so I was. About two years ago, the court being at Fontainbleau, I was two or three times in conversation with the queen, at hours when there were very few people in her apartment: It appeared to me, that my turn of wit was agreeable to her, and I observed she always approved what I said. One day, among others, she fell into a discourse concerning confidence. I said there was nobody in whom I entirely confided; that I found people always repented of having done so; and that I knew a great many things of which I had never spoke. The queen told me, she esteemed me the more for it; that she had not found in France any one that could keep a secret, and that this was what had embarrassed her more than anything else, because it had deprived her of the pleasure of having a confidant; that nothing was so necessary in life as to have somebody one could open one's mind to with safety, especially for people of her rank. Afterwards she frequently resumed the same discourse, and acquainted me with very particular circumstances; at last, I imagined she was desirous to learn my secrets, and to entrust me with her own; this thought engaged me strictly to her. I was so pleased with this distinction, that I made my court to her with greater assiduity than usual. One evening the king and the ladies of the court rode out to take the air in the forest, but the queen being a little indisposed did not go; I staid to wait upon her, and she walked down to the pond-side, and dismissed her gentlemen–ushers, that she might be more at liberty. After she had taken a few turns, she came up to me, and bid me follow her; I would speak with you, says she, and by what I shall say, you will see I am your friend. She stopped here, and looking earnestly at me, You are in love, continued she; and because perhaps you