“There is one anecdote which I have heard related about Mademoiselle de Montmorency which shows that she possessed some native energy of character.
“When she was about eight or nine years old, and Madame de Richelieu was the ruling power, she one day behaved with great obstinacy towards the Lady Abbess, who said angrily to her: ‘When I see you like that, I could kill you.’ Mademoiselle de Montmorency replied: ‘It would not be the first time that the Richelieus had been the murderers of the Montmorencys.’”
Such a haughty answer in the mouth of a child is surprising enough, but it shows the extraordinary development of children at that period; and the account that Hélène herself gives of the death of her companion is a striking proof of this. It is impossible to relate a story better; not a line is wanting in the picture; and the simplicity of the style adds yet more to the effect of the narrative.
FOOTNOTES:
[28] Room in which the records were kept.
[29] Six hundred pounds sterling.
[30] He published in 1770 a small 12mo. vol. entitled Method of Diverting Oneself with a Pack of Cards, and in 1784 a fresh edition called Method of Diverting Oneself with a Pack of Chequered Cards.
[31] Professor of History at the Abbaye-aux-Bois.
[32] First dancer at the Opera.
[33] The leader of the ballet at the Opera.