Your kindness to my family,
independently of my private regard for you, gives
you the surest claim of my best services during
this afflicting period. Let me beseech of you not
to despair, but cheerfully anticipate brighter days.
"I will call for you at seven o'clock, and if you
approve of it, we will use my carriage. Ruel is
entirely at your disposal and that of your family."
This note was truly characteristic of its amiable writer, who at
court passed for a cold-hearted, frigid being, whilst, in reality,
the warm feelings of her excellent heart were reserved for her
chosen friends.
I have never admired those general lovers who profess to love
every one, nor do I feel quite sure it is a very strong
recommendation to say a person is beloved by all who know her.
Read, now, a striking contrast to the short but sympathizing
billet of madame d'Aiguillon, in the following heartless letter f
from the marechale de Mirepoix, which was put into my hands as I
was ascending the carriage.
"MY LOVELY COUNTESS,--I am all astonishment! Can
it be possible that you are to quit Versailles?
You are right in saying you have been the friend
of every one, and those who could speak ill of you
are to be pitied for not having had better
opportunities of understanding your real character.
But fear not, the dauphiness is virtue personified,
and the dauphin equally perfect.
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