As you will be going away, I shall
visit the barracks instead, for I believe you approve
of the object. Adieu. I await you with impatience,
with a heart wholly yours, which, in spite of your
injustice, could never belong to any other, even
if I had the wish. I think of you and that word of
yours which you will surely regret; and still another
regret is that I am deprived of you. That is the
watchword of each instant.
THE COUNTESS Du Barry
At Louvecienne, Noon.
Madame de Valentinois came to me with tears in her eyes to repeat
the cruel remark of the princess; the marechale de Mirepoix,
who heard her, sought to console her by assurances, that it would
in no degree affect her interest at court. "Never mind, my good
friend," said she; "the pretty bird merely warbles the notes it
learns from its keeper la Vauguyon, and will as quickly forget as
learn them. Nevertheless, the king owes you recompense for the
vexation it has occasioned you."
Immediately that I found myself alone with the marechale, I inquired
of her what was the nature of the reparation she considered
madame de Valentinois entitled to expect from the hands of his
majesty. She replied, "'Tis on your account alone that the poor
countess has received her late mortification; the king is therefore
bound to atone for it in the form of a pension. Money, my dear,
money is a sovereign cure at court; calms every grief and heals
every wound.
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