A similar scene had already occurred with the prince de Soubise,
relative to the exile of his daughter. Was it not somewhat
strange, as well as unjust, that all the noblemen of the day wished
to preserve to their relations the right of offending me with
impunity, without permitting me even the right of defending myself.
CHAPTER XIX
Madame du Barry separates from madame de Bearn--Letters between
these ladies--Portrait of madame de l'Hopital--The ladder--The
bell--Conversation with madame de Mirepoix--First visit to Chantilly--
Intrigues to prevent the countess from going thither--The king's
Displeasure towards the princesses--The archbishop de Senlis
The spoiled child of fortune, I had now attained the height of my
wishes. The king's passion augmented daily, and my empire became
such as to defy the utmost endeavors of my enemies to undermine
it. Another woman in my place would have employed her power in
striking terror amongst all who were opposed to her, but for my
own part I contented myself with repulsing their attempts to injure
me, and in proceeding to severity only when my personal interests
were too deeply concerned to admit of my passing the matter
over in silence.
There was no accusation too infamous to be laid to my charge;
amongst other enormities they scrupled not to allege that I had
been the murderess of Lebel, the king's
, who
died by poison! Was it likely, was it probable that I should seek
the destruction of him to whom I owed my elevation, the most
devoted of friends, and for whom my heart cherished the most
lively sense of gratitude? What interest could I possibly derive
from the perpetration of such a crime? The imputation was too
absurd for belief, but slander cares little for the seeming
improbability of such an event.
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