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Updated: June 27, 2025
She was "one of those personages, however, who made the most noise" at the courts of Louis the Thirteenth and Anne of Austria, as we are told by Madame de Motteville, and as we have already seen by the prominent political part she played in the factions of the Importants and the Fronde.
Each year, as it passed, added some touch of beauty, developed some latent charm, until at eighteen she was very fair to look upon. "Her eyes now" says Madame de Motteville, "were full of fire, her complexion had become beautiful, her face less thin, her cheeks took dimples which gave her a fresh charm, and she had fine arms and beautiful hands.
La Molina began to turn over ribbons and laces on a large work-table. Madame de Motteville, surprised at the look of mutual intelligence which had been exchanged between the confidant and her mistress, cast down her eyes like a discreet woman, and pretending to be observant of nothing that was passing, listened with the utmost attention to every word.
M. Cousin, who is by no means severe as regards the errors or demerits of the Duchess, says that "she did not know how to write." Mademoiselle de Montpensier and Madame de Motteville, however, both express the very opposite opinion. The first remarks, speaking of the Countess de Maure: "The precision and the polish of her style would be incomparable if Madame de Longueville had never written."
Naturally indolent, she disliked the drudgery attendant upon business details, and hence continued through convenience the services of a man who, by taking off her hands the wearisome routine of State affairs, allowed her to reign at her ease. Madame de Motteville. Mazarin, moreover, had never been displeasing to her.
She heard nothing, however, but a very insignificant "hum" on the part of the Spanish duenna, who was the incarnation of caution and a profound sigh on that of the queen. She looked up immediately. "You are suffering?" she said. "No, Motteville, no; why do you say that?" "Your majesty almost groaned just now." "You are right; I did sigh, in truth."
It is probable that if they wish to harm any one here it is I; calm yourself." "No, Madame! save me, protect me! it is Richelieu who pursues me, I am sure!" The sound of pistols, which was then heard more distinctly, convinced the Queen that the terrors of Madame de Chevreuse were not vain. "Come and dress me, Madame de Motteville!" cried she.
It is probable that if they wish to harm any one here it is I; calm yourself." "No, Madame! save me, protect me! it is Richelieu who pursues me, I am sure!" The sound of pistols, which was then heard more distinctly, convinced the Queen that the terrors of Madame de Chevreuse were not vain. "Come and dress me, Madame de Motteville!" cried she.
Did the young Duchess personally merit that aversion and contempt? Mademoiselle has told us, indeed, that she was awkward, and that, "on the score of wit and beauty, she had nothing above the common run." But Madame de Motteville, less passionate and more disinterested in her judgments, recognises certain advantages possessed by her.
Monsieur had joined the king early in the morning for a hunting-party; Madame remained in her own apartment, cool and distant to every one; and the queen-mother, after she had said her prayers in Latin, talked of domestic matters with her two friends in pure Castilian. Madame de Motteville, who understood the language perfectly, answered her in French.
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