done? She obeyed the magnet which attracts to Paris all who in
themselves have a title to glory, to celebrity, or to misfortune.
Du Barry had a pretty, provincial face, bright and charming, a face
astonished at everything, hair soft and ash-colored, blue eyes,
veiled and half open, and a skin fair with rose tints. She was a
child of destiny. Who could have said, when she crossed the great
town in her basket cart, which rolled lazily along on its massive,
creaking wheels, that some day she would have equipages more
beautiful than any of those which covered her with mud in passing,
and on her arms more laces and diamonds than any of these ladies
attended by footmen in liveries?"

*A claim which blithely ignored the fact that Jeanne
d'Arc had no children.--Gutenberg editor

When Jeanne left the provinces to come to Paris, she found her
native country. She was granted the freedom of the city, and
expanded in her joy like a delicate plant transplanted into a
hothouse. She found herself at home for the first time; and felt
that she could rule as a despot over all frequenters of the
streets. She learned fashion and love at one and the same time.
Gourdan had a hat made for her, and, as a reward, initiated her
into the customs. But she was called to other destinies.

One day, when she was walking in the Tuileries, a lunatic--and
lunatics have second sight--asked her favor when she should
become queen. Du Barry said to herself: "This man is mad." But
then she thought of the Pompadour, blushed--it was the only time--
and turned her eyes towards Versailles.