perhaps dictated by a somewhat excessive natural susceptibility, and by a laudable desire that any Germans who returned from France to their own country should sing her praises in her native land. Perhaps one of the strongest proofs of the regard in which, at this time, she was held by all parties in the court is found in the circumstance that the Count de Provence himself very soon found it impossible to continue his countenance to the intrigues against her which he had previously favored. He preferred ingratiating himself and the countess with her. Marie Antoinette was always placable, and from the first had been eager, as the head of the family, to place her sister-in-law at her ease; so that when the count evinced his desire to stand on a friendly footing with her, she showed every disposition to meet his wishes, and the spring and summer of 1772 exhibited to the courtiers, who were little accustomed to such scenes, a happy example of an intimate family union. Marie Antoinette had always been fond of music, and, as we have seen before, ever since her arrival in France, had devoted fixed hours to her music-master. And now, on almost every evening which was not otherwise preoccupied, she gave little concerts in her apartments to the royal family, their principal attendants, and a few of the chief nobles of the court; being herself occasionally one of the performers, and maintaining her character as a hostess by a combined affability and dignity which made all her guests pleased with themselves as with her, and set all imitation and all detraction alike at defiance. CHAPTER VI. Marie Antoinette wishes to see Paris.--Intrigues of Madame Adelaide.-- Characters of the Dauphin and the Count de Provence.--Grand Review at Fontainebleau.--Marie Antoinette ill the Hunting Field.--Letter from her to the Empress.--Mischievous Influence of the Dauphin's Aunts on her Character.--Letter of Marie Antoinette to the Empress.--Her Affection for her Old House.--The Princes are recalled from Exile.--Lord Stormont.-- Great Fire at the Hôtel-Dieu.--Liberality and Charity of Marie Antoinette.--She goes to the Bal d'Opéra.---Her Feelings about the Partition of Poland.--The King discusses Politics with her, and thinks highly of her Ability.