A short novel with a supernatural twist, set at the time of the death of
Louis XV, in 1774.
A fortune-teller has prophesied that Louis XV and the Marquis de
Chauvelin, Louis' favorite courtier, will die in the same month. When
the Marquis receives a premonition of death, he withdraws from the court
to return to his family, confess his sins, and prepare a will that will
secure the imperilled fortunes of his wife and children.
Louis, however, recalls the Marquis before he can complete his
preparations, and the Marquis drops dead before Louis' terrified eyes.
M. de Chauvelin, however, will not let so paltry an obstacle as death
stand between him and protecting his family.
Louis XV survives a month less a few days, and then dies in agony.
