when will it please you to get rid of yours?" The king, without
replying to me, began to laugh; in which, for want of a better
termination to my remark, I was constrained to join.



CHAPTER XXIII


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.