"
"It was then a singularly engaging animal, I presume?"
"On the contrary, one of the most stupid, disagreeable, and
dirty creatures of its kind; but still it was the cat of madame
de Luxembourg."
And after this funeral oration the marechale and myself burst
into a violent fit of laughter.
When the king joined us, I acquainted him with this death, and my
conversation with the marechale. Louis XV listened to my recital
with an air of gravity; when I had finished, he said, "The present
opportunity is admirably adopted for satisfying the request of one
of my retinue, one of the best-hearted creatures, and at the same
time one of the silliest
men in the kingdom."
"I beg your pardon, sire," cried I, "but what is his name? For
the description is so general, that I fear lest I should be at
a loss to recollect of whom you are speaking."
"You are very ill-natured," cried Louis XV, "and I hardly know
whether you deserve to be gratified by hearing the name of the
poor gentleman: however, I will tell it to you; he is called Corbin
de la Chevrollerie. A few days since this simple young man,
having solicited an audience, informed me, that he was desirous
of marrying a rich heiress, but that the young lady's family were
resolved she should marry no one who was not previously employed
as an ambassador. I expressed my surprise at so strange a caprice,
but the poor fellow endeavored to vindicate his bride's relations,
by stating that that they were willing to consider him as my
ambassador if I would only commission him to carry some message
of compliment or condolence.
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