I beseech you, my dear, out
of regard for me, to put up with the unthinking conduct of the
prince de Beauvau for a little while; he will soon see his error
and amend it." He did indeed return to our party, but his
obedience was purchased at a heavy price.
Some days after the disgrace of the duc de Choiseul, I received
a letter from M. de Voltaire. This writer, who carped at and
attacked all subjects, whether sacred or profane, and from whose
satires neither great nor small were exempt, had continual need
of some powerful friend at court. When his protector, M. de
Choiseul, was dismissed, he saw clearly enough that the only
person on whom he could henceforward depend to aid and support
him, was she who had been chiefly instrumental in removing his
first patron. With these ideas he addressed to me the following
letter of condolence or, to speak more correctly, of congratulation.
It was as follows:--
"MADAME LA COMTESSE,--Fame, with her hundred
tongues, has announced to, me in my retreat the fall
of M. de Choiseul and your triumph. This piece of
news has not occasioned me much surprise, I always
believed in the potency of beauty to carry all before
it; but, shall I confess it? I scarcely know whether
I ought to congratulate myself on the success
you have obtained over your enemies. M, de
Choiseul was one of my kindest friends, and his
all-powerful protection sufficed to sustain me
against the malice of my numerous enemies.
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