Memoirs of the Princesse de Ligne, Vol. 1 (of 2)Massalska, Apolonia Helena
History
Memoirs of the Princesse de Ligne, Vol. 1 (of 2)
Massalska, Apolonia Helena
Ligne, Charles Joseph, prince de, 1735-1814; Massalska, Apolonia Helena, 1763-1815
Duchesse de Châtillon, Madame de Mortemart, Madame de Blot, Madame du
Châtelet arrived. They came to our camp, and called their daughters
and their nieces. These did not dare to resist, and so they carried
them off. Then a lay sister was despatched to the pupils to say that
the schoolroom was open, that it was ten o’clock, and that all those
who should be back in class by twelve would have a general pardon for
past conduct. After a great consultation, the principal mutineers being
gone, we all returned and ranged ourselves in our places. We found all
the mistresses assembled, and even Madame de Saint Jérôme, who seemed
rather embarrassed, was there. Madame Saint Antoine said we deserved
to be punished, but, however, that it was the return of the prodigal
child. This mistress was at the head of the red class,--she belonged
to the Talleyrand family,--and was much beloved and respected. Madame
Saint Jean was delighted to see us back; she told us she had felt very
dull during our absence; in fact all the mistresses were most indulgent.
“It was with much dread that we looked forward to the moment when we
should have to appear before Madame de Rochechouart. This was not till
the evening, when the names were called over. Much to our astonishment,
she did not say one word about what had happened; and indeed, some
of us innocently persuaded ourselves that she had altogether ignored
it. As for me, when the Duchesse de Mortemart had come to ask for her
daughter, she had said to me: ‘My sister-in-law has had great pleasure
in acting as a mother toward you; it is for you to show whether you
mean to confirm that title by obeying her orders. She has asked
for you. Let us go to her.’ I immediately followed the Duchesse de
Mortemart and her daughter. We were taken to the schoolroom, whither
the remainder of the scholars shortly after returned. I only saw
Madame de Rochechouart in the evening, when our names were called.
When my turn came, she looked at me with a smile, and chucked me under
the chin, and I kissed her hand. The next day everything resumed its
usual course.
“Madame de Saint Jérôme was left for another month in the schoolroom,
and then removed to other functions. About thirty of the pupils had not
joined in the insurrection, amongst others Lévis, and they were simply
wretched. They were tormented and run down by the whole class; they had
fancied they would gain great credit by their conduct; but Madame de
Rochechouart did not like them any the better for it. One of them said
one day to Madame de Rochechouart: ‘I was not in the insurrection,’ and
Madame de Rochechouart answered, in an absent manner: ‘I compliment
you.’”
Shortly after this memorable episode the young girls were much
interested in the marriage of one of their companions,--Mademoiselle
de Bourbonne,--and Hélène does not fail to describe it.
Public-domain text, read in full here on John Shaqi.
Reviews
Reviews
No reviews yet
Be the first to share your thoughts on this work.
Join the Discussion
Join the discussion
Sign in to leave a comment or review.
Sign InorCreate an account