"
It was a letter of madame de Pompadour, which I wished to have,
and the marechale gave me it instantly; the notes remained with
her. I copy the note, to give you an idea of the sensibility of
the king.
"SIRE,--I am ill; dangerously so, perhaps. In the melancholy
feeling which preys upon me, I have formed a desire to leave
you a souvenir, which will always make me present to your memory.
I have embroidered this portfolio with my own hair; accept it;
never part with it. Enclose in it your most important papers,
and let its contents prove your estimation of it. Will you not
accord my prayer? Sign it, I beseech you; it is the caprice, the
wish of a dying woman."
Beneath it was written,
"This token of love shall never quit me. Louis."
CHAPTER XVII
Conversation of the marechale de Mirepoix with the comtesse du
Barry on court friendship--Intrigues of madame de Bearn--Preconcerted
meeting with madame de Flaracourt---Rage of madame de Bearn--
Portrait and conversation of madame de Flaracourt with the
comtesse du Barry--Insult from the princesse de Guemenee--Her
banishment--Explanation of the king and the duc de Choiseul
relative to madame du Barry--The comtesse d'Egmont
However giddy I was I did not partake in the excessive gaiety of
madame de Mirepoix. I was pained to see how little reliance
could be placed on the sensibility of the king, as well as how
far I could esteem the consideration of the marechale for madame
de Pompadour, from whom she had experienced so many marks of
friendship.
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