Dorine--Mademoiselle Choin and the marechal d'Uxelles--Zamor-- M. de
Maupeou's wig--Henriette--The duc de Villeroi and Sophie-- Letter from the
comtesse du Barry to the duc de Villeroi--His reply--The countess writes again--
Madame du Barry and Sophie-- Louis XV and the comtesse du Barry
Among the number which composed my household were three beings who
played conspicuous parts in my family, and who received the kindest caresses in
honour of their mistress. These three favoured objects were Dorine, Zamor, and
Henriette. Following the order or disorder in which I have written thus far, I will
first introduce my dear Dorine to your notice.
Sweet, beautiful Dorine! how amiably affectionate and attached to thy mistress
wert thou! The poor animal still exists; for I would have you know that I am
speaking of a most faithful little dog; now indeed grown old, asthmatic and
snappish; but fifteen years since, distinguished for her lightness, swiftness, and
grace, for her pretty little countenance, white teeth, large sparkling eyes, long
tufted tail, and above all, for her snow-white coat, spotted here and there with the
most beautiful brown.
Dorine was just three months old when madame de Montmorency brought her to
me in her muff; her throat was adorned with a rich gold collar, bearing the arms
of the du Barrys, and clasped with a large sapphire surrounded with diamonds.
The moment she saw me Dorine leaped upon my lap with the most endearing
familiarity, and from that period has never quitted me. My train of courtiers
hastened to become those of the new favourite likewise; and pastrycooks and
confectioners racked their brains to procure tempting morsels for the gentle
Dorine. She sipped her coffee daily from a golden saucer, and Zamor (between
whom and Dorine a mutual dislike existed) was appointed her cupbearer. The
wonderful instinct of the highly gifted animal soon taught her, that although she
had free permission to bark at all the rest of the world, there was one person in it
to whom it behoved her to show herself in her most gracious and smiling moods;
who this person was I leave it to your sagacity to divine. She, however,
indemnified herself for this extra complaisance by barking and biting at all who
approached; and the handsomest, best turned leg in the court was not secure
from the sharp teeth of mademoiselle Dorine. Nevertheless, all vied in praising
and fondling her, and I was enchanted with the general admiration she excited,
as well as the attention she received. One day that I was exultingly relating to the
duc d'Aguillon the cares and praises lavished on my dog, he replied, "The grand
dauphin, son of Louis XIV, after the death of his wife, Marie Christine of Bavaria,
secretly espoused mademoiselle Choin. The marechal d'Uxelles, who was not
ignorant of this marriage, professed himself the most devoted friend of the lady;
he visited her regularly morning and evening, and even carried his desire to
please her so far, as to send a servant with a dish of grilled hare for the house
dog, who had a particular fancy for game dressed in that manner! These
attentions and assiduities were faithfully continued for several years, till the grand
dauphin died, and then no more morning and evening visits, no more presents to
either mistress or dog. Apply the story well," added the duke, as he terminated
