They gave
fetes in my honor, were perpetually devising fresh schemes to
render the place agreeable to me; and in that they perfectly
succeeded, for I quitted Compiegne with no other regret than
that my stay there was at an end.
The king appeared each day more and more solicitous to render me
happy, and even anticipated any wishes I might form. Amongst
other marks of his favor, he bestowed upon me the splendid pavilion
de Lucienne, sold by the duc de Penthievre after the death of his
son, the prince de Lamballe. You know this charming spot, which
both nature and art have so liberally contributed to adorn: I have
converted it into the most perfect and delightful habitation in
which a mortal could desire to end her days. Nevertheless, this
hope of passing my life tranquilly and happily within its sheltering
bosom will prove but fallacious, if I may credit a prediction
which has been verified already in part. You doubtlessly remember
the young man who so obstinately pursued me to announce the high
destiny to which I should attain, ere I had for one moment
contemplated such an elevation. Well! You will scarcely credit
me when I declare, that all recollection of him had entirely
escaped me; but, in truth, the constant vortex of a court life
leaves no time for the recollection of the past, and fills our
minds with no other ideas but to provide for the present, and
occasionally to glance at the future.
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