Memoirs of Madame Du Barry (Volume 4)

This historic book may have numerous typos, missing text, images, or index. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. 1896. Not illustrated. Excerpt: ... CHAPTER XVIII Fresh intrigues--Fete given by the gardes du corps to the Queen--The living statue--Isabel: her narrative--The Othello of the colonies. I Had flattered myself I should hear no more of M. de Montesquieu, but I was premature in my expectations, for I very soon received a visit from him, in which he openly intimated to me that his Royal master desired to have some further conversation with me. My lord, I returned, I am the devoted servant of His Royal Highness, and fully sensible of the honour he does me in deigning to bestow so great a portion of his attention upon me; but, as I am resolved not to endanger my present tranquillity by meddling with any political cabal or intrigue, I would fain ask you to persuade your master to drive me entirely from his recollection. But this was neither the intention of master nor man, who were both resolved either to satisfy their eager curiosity, or to involve me in an intrigue of the most dangerous nature, the real bent of which I just began to perceive. Those about Monsieur had beheld with deep vexation the birth of a Dauphin, who so completely excluded their patron from a succession to the throne. Some of the party had consulted Cagliostro, who positively declared that Monsieur should be King after his brother. This prediction had half turned the head of the Marquis de Montesquiou, who would willingly have sought the aid of Lucifer himself to realise so delightful a promise. You may possibly remember the absurd reports that were in circulation about this, originating, no doubt, in some rash and unthinking observation which had fallen from Monsieur, and had been construed by his enemies into a declaration of purposes he never once conceived. I, too, was said to be an accomplice in the propagation of ...