You will of course meet the queen, accompanied by the minister of the royal household, whose duty it is to be near her majesty on all such occasions. Do you think that enough?"

"Ah! it is a great deal too much," said the princess laughing; "you have chased away all my gaiety-but I do not believe you.”

The countess du Nord wore a superb domino en chauve souris (the latest fashion); it was left open in front to show her dress, which was magnificently embroidered with jet and spangles. She did not leave her husband's arm until she took that of M. d'Amelot, minister of the royal household, whose guardianship of the queen was undertaken by the count of Provence. The princesses went very little out of their box, and remained together all the evening. The queen never mixes in the crowd, without taking care that she may be known, although people accuse her of doing so. She goes once through the assembly. I heard of a very piquant remark addressed to the duke de Chartres by an unknown mask dressed as a tower; it appears that it occurred quite close to me without my knowing it. The prince was talking to a lady, when this mask approached and took part in the conversation, which was not at all agreeable to the duke, and he let the mask see that he was an intruder. The mask persevered, and the duke

enraged asked him if he did not know who he was. The conversation had taken a very cynical tone, which was habitual to the duke, and on which he prided himself a great deal, although it was a great injury to him both at court and in general society.

"I beg pardon, monseigneur," said the unknown, "I do know you, you have indeed unmasked yourself."

The duke was stunned by this daring answer, and when he recovered his presence of mind, he said to one of the gentlemen of his suite who stood

near

“Let that insolent man be arrested."

The tower was seized, but it was empty; its occupant had opened the door and disappeared amongst the crowd. The prince was outrageous, but there was no remedy. I remember the remark made by the count du Nord, with his usual penetration, when he was told of this adventure, and of some other things of this duke

"The king of France is very patient. If my mother had such a cousin he would not remain long in Russia. The consequences of these rebellions in the royal family are of more importance than may at first appear."

The

I was very little amused by this ball. atmosphere of such places breathes too much of

intrigue. I do not know how any virtuous woman can find pleasure there-one is obliged to hear so many expressions that must make one blush. The Parisian ladies think nothing of it; but we poor provincials, unaccustomed to such things, feel very much hurt, and for our particularity are only called prudes. Is that a disgrace? Often when listening to what was passing around me, I have been inclined to consider it as a compliment.

CHAPTER XIII.

Breakfast at the duke of Penthièvre's+Account of the marriage of the duke of Chartres-The king's repugnance to it-The Carmelites-M. Prati-Verses-Gross flattery-The duchess of Chartres' visit to the countess du Nord-Mesdames de Lowestine and de GenlisEstablishment of St. Sulpice-Gift of the czarina-The Boutin folly-The count du Nord and M. NeckerMadame Necker and her daughter-M. de Condorcet― Incident at Madame de Montesson's-Her marriage with the duke of Orleans -Remark of Madame du BarryM. de Caumartin-Mdlles. Dugazon, Colombe, Lescot, and the Italian opera-Theatricals at Trianon-The queen speaks to me-At supper I sit next to Madame Elizabeth - Conversation about the Lort family-The female philosopher, author of thirty-two volumes.

3rd June. -THE countess du Nord was so very kind as to call for me at an early hour this morning to bring me to Sceaux, the residence of the duke de Penthièvre. She was to breakfast there, and insisted upon my going with her. I had no reason to regret my compliance. I visited a delightful abode: I saw the most virtuous, the best of princes, and the most charming of princesses. The count de Penthièvre, son to the count de Toulouse, and grandson to Louis the Fourteenth, is certainly the most perfect man on earth. He lives at Sceaux in a charming retreat, far from the court, far from X

VOL. I.

intrigues. He is not yet consoled, and never will be consoled for the death of his only son, the prince de Lamballes. His is a grief that is beyond description, as it is beyond comfort. His only remaining child is the duchess de Chartres, who has inherited her father's goodness and virtues, as well as his immense fortune.

The marriage of Mdlle. de Penthièvre, brilliant as was the connexion, took place against her father's will. Certainly the match was a great one. The first prince of the blood did great honour to an illegitimate race in allying himself with them. However, the prince de Penthièvre did not desire the distinction. He did not admire the duke de Chartres, and the happiness of his child was dearer to him than a brilliant connexion. The abbé de Breteuil, chancellor to the duke of Orleans, was the first who conceived the idea of this union, but the duke of Orleans was not inclined to consent. The prince de Lamballes was then alive, and the duke did not think the fortune of Mdlle. de Penthièvre large enough to wipe away the stain of illegitimacy. Things continued in this state until the fatal illness of the poor prince de Lamballes. Then the abbé de Breteuil brought the matter again upon the tapis, and by the irresistible argument of a large fortune triumphed over the repugnance of the duke of Orleans. He