We leave to the ministers of our
religion, and the magistrates who are appointed
to guard our laws. to decide upon the legality of
the bonds between yourself and mademoiselle Camp,
but by one tribunal you are distinctly pronounced
guilty towards her, and that is the tribunal of
honour, before that tribunal which exists in the
heart of every good man. You have been universally
cited and condemned. There are some errors which
all the impetuosity of youth is unable to excuse,
and yours are unhappily of that sort. The different
persons composing this establishment, therefore,
concur not only in praying of us to signify their
sentiments, but likewise to apprize you, that you
are unanimously forbidden to appear within these
walls again."
The chancellor brought to the king a copy of this severe letter,
to which I listened with much emotion, nor did the king seem
more calm than myself.
'This is, indeed," said he at length, "a very sad affair; we shall
have all the quarrels of Protestantism renewed, as if I had not
had already enough of those of the Jansenists and Jesuits. As
far as I can judge, M. de Bombelles is entitled to the relief he
seeks, and every marriage contracted with a Protestant is null
and void by the laws of France."
"Oh, sire," cried I, " would I had married a Protestant."
The king smiled for a moment at my jest, then resumed:
"I blame the military school.
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