Her contempt of the vanities of etiquette became the pretext for the first reproaches levelled at the Queen.  What misconduct might not be dreaded from a princess who could absolutely go out without a hoop! and who, in the salons of Trianon, instead of discussing the important rights to chairs and stools, good-naturedly invited everybody to be seated.

[M. de Fresne Forget, being one day in company with the Queen Marguerite, told her he was astonished how men and women with such great ruffs could eat soup without spoiling them; and still more how the ladies could be gallant with their great fardingales.  The Queen made no answer at that time, but a few days after, having a very large ruff on, and some ‘bouili’ to eat, she ordered a very long spoon to be brought, and ate her ‘bouili’ with it, without soiling her ruff.  Upon which, addressing herself to M. de Fresne, she said, laughing, “There now, you see, with a little ingenuity one may manage anything.”—­“Yes, faith, madame,” said the good man, “as far as regards the soup I am satisfied.”—­LAPLACE’s “Collection,” vol. ii., p. 350.]

The anti-Austrian party, discontented and vindictive, became spies upon her conduct, exaggerated her slightest errors, and calumniated her most innocent proceedings.  “What seems unaccountable at the first glance,” says Montjoie, “is that the first attack on the reputation of the Queen proceeded from the bosom of the Court.  What interest could the courtiers have in seeking her destruction, which involved that of the King?  Was it not drying up the source of all the advantages they enjoyed, or could hope for?”

[Madame Campan relates the following among many anecdotes illustrative of the Queen’s kindness of heart:  “A petition was addressed to the Queen by a corporation in the neighbourhood of Paris, praying for the destruction of the game which destroyed their crops.  I was the bearer of this petition to her Majesty, who said, ’I will undertake to have these good people relieved from so great an annoyance.’  She gave the document to M. de Vermond in my presence, saying, ’I desire that immediate justice be done to this petition.’  An assurance was given that her order should be attended to, but six weeks afterwards a second petition was sent up, for the nuisance had not been abated after all.  If the second petition had reached the Queen, M. de Vermond would have received a sharp reprimand.  She was always so happy when it was in her power to do good.”

The quick repartee, which was another of the Queen’s characteristics, was less likely to promote her popularity.  “M.  Brunier,” says Madame Campan, “was physician to the royal children.  During his visits to the palace, if the death of any of his patients was alluded to, he never failed to say, ’Ah! there I lost one of my best friends!  ‘Well,’ said the Queen, ’if he loses all his patients who are his friends, what will become of those who are not?’”]