" This blow, so strong yet just, rather
surprised her; but, quickly rallying her courage, she endeavoured
to persuade me that she always spoke of me in the same terms. "It
may be so," replied I; "but I fear that you say so many flattering
things to me, that you have not one left when out of my sight."
The marechale de Mirepoix used to say, that a caress from madame
d'Aiguillon was not less to be dreaded than the bite of M. d'Ayen.
Yet the duchess dowager has obtained a first-rate reputation for
goodness; every one styled her
.
And why, do you suppose? Because she was one of those fat,
fresh, portly-looking dames of whom you would have said, her
very face and figure bespoke the contented goodness of her
disposition; for who would ever suspect malice could lurk in so
much ? I think I have already told you that this
lady expired whilst bathing, of an attack of apoplexy, in the
month of June, 1772. Her son shed many tears at her loss, whilst
I experienced but a very moderate share of grief.
Adieu, my friend; if you are not already terrified at the
multiplicity of the letters which compose my journal, I have yet
much to say; and I flatter myself the continuance of my adventures
will be found no less interesting than those you have perused.
CHAPTER XXIX
The king's friends--The duc de Fronsac--The duc d'Ayen's remark--
Manner of living at court--The marquis de Dreux -Breze--Education
of Louis XV--The --Its household--Its inmates--Mere
Bompart--Livres expended on the -- Good advice--
Madame
I was now firmly fixed at court, the king, more than ever devoted
to me, seemed unable to dispense with my constant presence.
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