The Princess of Cleves

he Constable Montmorency is master of the King and

kingdom; he hates me, and has given proofs of his hatred, which I shall

never forget. The Mareschal de St. Andre is a bold young favourite,

who uses me no better than the others. The detail of my misfortunes

would move your pity; hitherto I have not dared to confide in anybody,

I confide in you, take care that I never repent it, and be my only

consolation.' The Queen blushed, when she had ended this discourse,

and I was so truly touched with the goodness she had expressed to me,

that I was going to throw myself at her feet: from that day she has

placed an entire confidence in me, she has done nothing without

advising with me, and the intimacy and union between us still subsists.