instructed. Then followed a dozen women
of lower station, creatures for any service, half waiting women, half
companions, who kept watch over the young ladies, and neglected nothing
that could injure each other at every opportunity. The work of the house
was performed by proper servants and male domestics, chosen expressly
for their age and ugliness. They were paid high, but in return for the
least indiscretion on their part, they were sent to linger out their
existence in a state prison. A severe watch was kept over every person
of either sex in this mysterious establishment. It was requisite, in
fact, that an impenetrable veil should be cast over the frailties of the
king; and that the public should know nothing of what occurred at the
_Parc-aux-Cerfs_.

The general term _eleves_ was applied to the young persons who were kept
there. They were of all ages from nine to eighteen years. Until fifteen
they were kept in total ignorance of the city which they inhabited.
When they attained that age, no more mystery was made of it; they only
endeavoured to prevent them from believing that they were destined for
the king's service. Sometimes they were told that they were imprisoned
as well as their family; sometimes, a lover rich and powerful kept them
concealed to satisfy his love. One thought she belonged to a German
prince, another to an English lord. There were some, however, who,
better informed, either by their predecessors, or by chance, knew
precisely what was in store for them, and accordingly built some
exceedingly fine castles in the air. But when they were suspected to be
so knowing, they were sent away, and either married (if pregnant), or
compelled to enter a cloister or chapter.

The noble damsels were served with peculiar etiquette, their servants
wore a green livery. Those who belonged to the ignobles, had their
valets clothed only in gray. The king had arranged this, and applauded
it as one of the most admirable decisions of his life, and contended
with me that the families who paid this impost for his pleasures, were
greatly indebted to him for it. I assure you, my friend, that there are
often very peculiar ideas in the head of a king.

After _madame_, the _sous-madames_, the young ladies, came a lady,
who had no title in the house, because she "carried on the war" out
of doors, but still was a most useful personage. In very truth la Mere
Bompart was a wonderful animal. Paint to yourself a woman rather sma