The Archbishop of Cambrai [Dubois] is coming here to-day to tell me of
his elevation to the cardinalate; so Alberoni has got a comrade. He is
one I cannot love; he poisoned my whole life; at the same time I would
not do him any harm. May God forgive him, but he may suffer for it in
this world.
We are all in full dress for the ceremony of his reception at three
o'clock; I shall be obliged to bow to him, and make him sit down, and
talk to him a few moments. It will not be without pain; but pain and
vexation are one's daily bread--but here comes the cardinal, and I
must pause.
The cardinal has begged me to forget the past; he has made me
the finest harangue that was ever listened to. He has great
capacities,--that is undeniable; and if he were only as honest as he
is capable, he would leave nothing to be desired.
SAINT-CLOUD, October, 1721.
I can only write you a few words and in all haste this morning, my
dear Louise, for I am going to Paris to compliment my son and his
wife on the good news they have just received and transmitted to me
instantly. The King of Spain has asked their daughter in marriage for
his son the Prince of the Asturias. Mlle. de Montpensier has no name
as yet, but before she goes to Spain the ceremony will be performed;
the king and I are to name her; she will then make her first communion
and be confirmed; that is what may be called receiving the three
sacraments together.