“Louis xiv. was very kind to those of his servants who were nearest his person; but the moment he assumed his royal deportment, those who were most accustomed to see him in his domestic character were as much intimidated as if they were appearing in his presence for the first time in their lives.  Some of the members of his Majesty’s civil household, then called ‘commensalite’, enjoying the title of equerry, and the privileges attached to officers of the King’s household, had occasion to claim some prerogatives, the exercise of which the municipal body of St. Germain, where they resided, disputed with them.  Being assembled in considerable numbers in that town, they obtained the consent of the minister of the household to allow them to send a deputation to the King; and for that purpose chose from amongst them two of his Majesty’s valets de chambre named Bazire and Soulaigre.  The King’s levee being over, the deputation of the inhabitants of the town of St. Germain was called in.  They entered with confidence; the King looked at them, and assumed his imposing attitude.  Bazire, one of these valets de chambre, was about to speak, but Louis the Great was looking on him.  He no longer saw the Prince he was accustomed to attend at home; he was intimidated, and could not find words; he recovered, however, and began as usual with the word Sire.  But timidity again overpowered him, and finding himself unable to recollect the slightest particle of what he came to say, he repeated the word Sire several times, and at length concluded by paying, ’Sire, here is Soulaigre.’  Soulaigre, who was very angry with Bazire, and expected to acquit himself much better, then began to speak; but he also, after repeating ‘Sire’ several times, found his embarrassment increasing upon him, until his confusion equalled that of his colleague; he therefore ended with ‘Sire, here is Bazire.’  The King smiled, and answered, ’Gentlemen, I have been informed of the business upon which you have been deputed to wait on me, and I will take care that what is right shall be done.  I am highly satisfied with the manner in which you have fulfilled your functions as deputies.’”

Mademoiselle Genet’s education was the object of her father’s particular attention.  Her progress in the study of music and of foreign languages was surprising; Albaneze instructed her in singing, and Goldoni taught her Italian.  Tasso, Milton, Dante, and even Shakespeare, soon became familiar to her.  But her studies were particularly directed to the acquisition of a correct and elegant style of reading.  Rochon de Chabannes, Duclos, Barthe, Marmontel, and Thomas took pleasure in hearing her recite the finest scenes of Racine.  Her memory and genius at the age of fourteen charmed them; they talked of her talents in society, and perhaps applauded them too highly.