Wishing on my own part to offer the marechale de Mirepoix a proof
of my high estimation of her friendship towards me, I inquired
of her whether a superior employment about the person of the
comtesse d'Artois would be agreeable to her?
"Alas! my dear creature," replied the good-natured marechale, "I
am too old now to bear the toil and confinement of any service.
The post of lady of honor would suit me excellently well as far
as regards the income attached to it, but by no means agree with
my inclinations as far as discharging its functions goes. You see
I am perfectly candid with you. Listen to me; if you really wish
to oblige me, you can do this--give the title to another, and
bestow the pecuniary part of the engagement on me. In that
manner you will be able to gratify two persons at the same time."
"I will endeavor," said I, "to meet your wishes as far as I
possibly can, and you may be assured that you shall derive some
advantage from this marriage."
And I kept my word by shortly after obtaining for the marechale
a sum of 50,000 livres; a most needful supply, for the poor
marechale had to re-furnish her house, her present fittings-up
being no longer endurable by the eye of modish taste: she likewise
received an augmentation of 20,000 livres to her pension. This
proceeding was highly acceptable to her, and the king afforded
his assistance with the best possible grace.
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