The Life of Marie Antoinette, Queen of France

Feelings in Germany and France on the Subject of the Marriage.--Letter of Maria Teresa to the Dauphin.--Characters of the Different Members of the Royal Family.--Difficulties which beset Marie Antoinette.--Maria Teresa's Letter of Advice.--The Comte de Mercy is sent as Embassador to France to act as the Adviser of the Dauphiness.--The Princesse de Lorraine at the State Ball.--A Great Disaster takes place at the Fire-works in Paris. --The Peasant at Fontainebleau.--Marie Antoinette pleases the King.-- Description of her Personal Appearance.--Mercy's Report of the Impression she made on her First Arrival.

CHAPTER IV.

Marie Antoinette gives her Mother her First Impressions of the Court and of her own Position and Prospects.--Court Life at Versailles.--Marie Antoinette shows her Dislike of Etiquette.--Character of the Duc d'Aiguillon.--Cabals against the Dauphiness.--Jealousy of Mme. du Barri.-- The Aunts, too, are Jealous of Her.--She becomes more and more Popular.-- Parties for Donkey-riding.--Scantiness of the Dauphiness's Income.--Her Influence over the King.--The Duc de Choiseul is dismissed.--She begins to have Great Influence over the Dauphin.

CHAPTER V.

Mercy's Correspondence with the Empress.--Distress and Discontent pervade France.--Goldsmith predicts a Revolution.--Apathy of the King.--The Aunts mislead Marie Antoinette.--Maria Teresa hears that the Dauphiness neglects her German Visitors.--Marriage of the Count de Provence.--Growing Preference of Louis XV. for the Dauphiness.--The Dauphiness applies herself to Study.--Marie Antoinette becomes a Horsewoman.--Her Kindness to all beneath her.--Cabals of the Adherents of the Mistress.--The Royal Family become united.--Concerts in the Apartments of the Dauphiness.

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 in 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 Home.--The Princes are recalled from Exile.--Lord Stormont.--Great Fire at the Hôtel-Dieu.--Liberality of 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.

CHAPTER VII.

Marie Antoinette is anxious for the Maintenance of the Alliance between France and Austria.--She, with the Dauphin, makes a State Entry into Paris.--The "Dames de la Halle."--She praises the Courtesy of the Dauphin.--Her Delight at the Enthusiasm of the Citizens.--She, with the Dauphin, goes to the Theatre, and to the Fair of St. Ovide, and to St. Cloud.--Is enthusiastically received everywhere.--She learns to drive. --She makes some Relaxations in Etiquette.--Marriage of the Comte d'Artois.--The King's Health grows Bad.--Visit of Marshal Lacy to Versailles.--The King catches the Small-pox.--Madame du Barri quits Versailles.--The King dies.

CHAPTER VIII.

The Court leaves Versailles for La Muette.--Feelings of the New Sovereigns.--Madame du Barri is sent to a Convent.--Marie Antoinette writes to Maria Teresa.--The Good Intentions of the New Sovereigns.-- Madame Adelaide has the Small-pox.--Anxieties of Maria Teresa.-- Mischievous Influence of the Aunts.--Position and Influence of the Count de Mercy.--Louis consults the Queen on Matters of Policy.--Her Prudence.-- She begins to Purify the Court, and to relax the Rules of Etiquette.--Her Care of her Pages.--The King and she renounce the Gifts of Le Joyeux Avénement, and La Ceinture de la Reine.--She procures the Pardon of the Duc de Choiseul.