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Part III. and her mind was tost to and fro by a thousand melancholy thoughts that she had had during the night; she was extremely surprised to hear the duke de Nemours asked for her; the anxiety she was in made her presently answer, that she was ill, and could not speak with him.

The duke was not at all shocked at this refusal; he thought it presaged him no ill, that she expressed a little coldness at a time when she might be touched with jealousy. He went to the prince of Cleves's apartment, and told him he came from that of his lady, and that he was very sorry he could not see her, because he had an affair to communicate to her of great consequence to the viscount de Chartres; he explained in few words to the prince the importance of this business, and the prince immediately introduced him into his lady's chamber. Had she not been in the dark, she would have found it hard to have concealed the trouble and astonishment she was in to see the duke de Nemours introduced by her husband. Monsieur de Cleves told her the business was about a letter, wherein her assistance was wanting for the interest of the viscount; that she was to consult with monsieur de Nemours what was to be done; and that as for him he was going to the king, who had just sent for him.

The duke de Nemours had his heart's desire, in being alone with madam de Cleves. I am come to ask you, madam, said he, if the queen-dauphin has not spoke to you of a letter which Chatelart gave her yesterday.—She said something to me of it, replied madam de Cleves; but I do not see what relation this letter has to the interests of my uncle, and I can assure you that he is not named in it.—It is true, madam, replied the duke de Nemours, he is not named in it; but yet it is addressed to him, and it very much imports him that you should get it out of the queen-dauphin's hands.—I cannot comprehend, replied the princess, how it should be of any consequence to him if this letter should be seen, nor what reason there is to re–demand it