parents; but the good Mlles. Mongalvi and their boarders would then
redouble their kindness, to dispel those thoughts which now and then
saddened me. I was spoiled beyond belief by the mistresses and the
boarders; I had only to wish for something to obtain it. There was
nothing too good or too fine for me. My health recovered completely.
I was clean and fresh, so they vied with one another to cuddle me.
During recreation, which took place in a vast enclosure, where there
was a fine garden, with paddocks, vines and arbours, the young ladies
would crown me and garland me with flowers, then placing me on a
little litter covered with roses, they would take it in turns to
carry me while they sang. At other times I would play prisoners base
with them, having the privilege of always catching but never being
caught. They would read stories to me and sing songs. They competed
to do something for me.

I recall, that on hearing of the horrible execution of Louis XVI,
Mlle. Mongalvi had all the boarders on their knees, to recite prayers
for the repose of the soul of the unfortunate king. The indiscretion
of any one of us could have brought down disaster on her head, but
all the pupils were of an age to understand, and I felt that it was
something I should not talk about; so no one knew anything about it.
I stayed in this pleasant retreat until November 1793.

Chap. 3.

When I was eleven and a half years old, my father was given
command of a camp which was set up at Toulouse. He took advantage of
a few days leave to come and see me and to arrange his affairs, which
he had not been able to do for several years. He came to Turenne, to
the house of one of his friends, and hurried to my lodging. He was in