Mesdames
de Guemenee and de Grammont appear very intimate: that is easily
explained, they unite against a common enemy. But were your
station left vacant, no sooner would the king have thrown the apple
to one of them, but the other would detest her instantly."
Contrary to custom I made no reply: I was absorbed in painful
reflections to which this conversation had given rise. The
marechale perceived it, and said,
"We should fall into philosophy if we probed this subject too
deeply. Let us think no more of this: besides, I have a new
defection to tell you of. Madame de Flaracourt told me yesterday
that she much regretted having misunderstood you, and that you
were worth more than all those who persecute you. She appeared
to me disposed to ally herself to you for the least encouragement
which you might be induced to hold out to her."
"You know very well," I replied, "that I am willing to adopt
your advice. The house of Flaracourt is not to be despised, and
I ask no better than to be on amicable terms with the lady."
"Well, then, come this morning and walk in the grove nearest the
pavilion, I shall be there with madame de Flaracourt: we will
meet by chance, compliments will follow, and the alliance will
be formed."
The marechale and I had scarcely separated when madame de Bearn
was announced. This lady besieged me night and day. Gifted
with a subtle and penetrating spirit--that talent which procures
advancement at court, she saw, with pain, that I sought to attract
other females about me: she would fain have remained my only
friend, that she might, unopposed, influence me in all I did.
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