Her son shed many tears at her loss, whilst
I experienced but a very moderate share of grief.
Adieu, my friend; if you are not already terrified at the
multiplicity of the letters which compose my journal, I have yet
much to say; and I flatter myself the continuance of my adventures
will be found no less interesting than those you have perused.
CHAPTER XXIX
The king's friends--The duc de Fronsac--The duc d'Ayen's remark--
Manner of living at court--The marquis de Dreux -Breze--Education
of Louis XV--The
--Its household--Its inmates--Mere
Bompart--Livres expended on the -- Good advice--
Madame
I was now firmly fixed at court, the king, more than ever devoted
to me, seemed unable to dispense with my constant presence. I
had so successfully studied his habits and peculiarities, that my
empire over him was established on a basis too firm to be shaken,
whilst my power and unbounded influence convinced my enemies,
that, so long as the present monarch sat upon the throne of France,
their attempts at diminishing my credit and influence would only
recoil upon themselves. Louis XV generally supped in my apartments
every evening, unless indeed, by way of change, I went to sup with
him. Our guests were of course of the first order, but yet not
of the most exemplary morals. These persons had tact, and saw
that, to please the king, they must not surpass him; so that, if
by chance he should reflect on himself, he would appear to
advantage amongst them.
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