stefully conducted, and
might have sent the different visitors home pleased and gratified in an
eminent degree, had not spite and ill-nature suggested to madame de
la Vauguyon, that as the chancellor and myself were present, it must
necessarily have been given with a view of complimenting us rather
than madame de Provence. She even sought to irritate the dauphiness by
insinuating the same mean and contemptible observations, and so far did
she succeed, that when madame de Valentinois approached to express her
hopes that the entertainment which she had honoured with her presence
had been to her royal highness's satisfaction, the dauphiness coolly
replied, "Do not, madame, affect to style this evening's fete one
bestowed in honour of myself, or any part of my family; 'tis true we
have been the ostensible causes, and have, by our presence, given it all
the effect you desired, but you will pardon our omitting to thank you
for an attention, which was in reality, directed to the comtesse du
Barry and M. de Maupeou."

FACSIMILE OF LETTER FROM MME. DU BARRY

TO THE DUC DE BRISSAC.

(photograph of original handwritten note omitted) TRANSLATION

Heavens! my dear friend, how sad are the days when I am deprived of the
happiness of passing the time with you, and with what joy do I watch for
the moment which will bring you to me. I shall not go to Paris to-day,
because the person I was going to see is coming Thursday. 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