“She is generous,” said he, “and spares nothing towards those she loves. She has the rare talent of giving a little to every one, and a great deal to a few.”
“You think, then, she is rich?”
“She makes resources with a word or a smile; no minister, except perhaps Turgot, ever refused her anything.”
“Well,” said Madame de la Motte, “I have seen her poorer than you think.”
“What do you mean?”
“Are those rich who are obliged to impose privations on themselves?”
“Privations! What do you mean, dear countess?”
“I will tell you what I saw—I saw the queen suffer. Do you know what a woman’s desire is, my dear prince?”
“No, countess; but I should like you to tell me.”
“Well, the queen has a desire, which she cannot satisfy.”