However, the king's prediction was exactly verified; and the
report in general circulation was, that the princesses had
declared their intention of not going to Chantilly; it was
further rumored, that I was there, but in a private and concealed
manner. This is wholly untrue; the king would never have permitted
such a humiliation; nor do I believe I should have submitted to it
had he even desired it. However all this may be, he sought to
recompense me for his absence by writing a most delightful letter,
which I will subjoin for your gratification. To me it was of so
much the greater value, that having its royal writer's permission
to show it, it became the first death-blow I aimed at the cabal
against me. The king possessed a much greater portion of wit and
talent than the weakness and timidity of his character permitted
to appear.
CHAPTER XX
Unpublished letter of Louis XV--Madame du Barry's cousin, M. de
Maupeou--The comtesse du Barry saves the life of a young girl
seduced by the arts of the cure of her village--She obtains pardon
of the comte and comtesse de Louerne--The king presents her with
Lucienne--A second meeting with the youthful prophet--His further
predictions--He is sought for--His mysterious letter to the countess
"How does my sweet friend contrive to bear our tedious
separation? is she happy and amused? In that case I can
say, she has greatly the advantage over him who now
addresses her.
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