[37].  The following is an example of the compulsory inactivity of the nobles — a dinner of Queen Marie Leczinska at Fontainebleau:  “I was introduced into a superb hall where I found about a dozen courtiers promenading about and a table set for as many persons, which was nevertheless prepared for but one person. . . .  The queen sat own while the twelve courtiers took their positions in a semi-circle ten steps from the table; I stood alongside of them imitating their deferential silence.  Her Majesty began to eat very fast, keeping her eyes fixed on the plate.  Finding one of the dishes to her taste she returned to it, and then, running her eye around the circle, she said “Monsieur de Lowenthal?” — On hearing this name a fine-looking man advanced, bowing, and replied, “Madame?” — “I find that this ragout is fricassé chicken.”—­ “I believe it is’ Madame.” — On making this answer, in the gravest manner, the marshal, retiring backwards, resumed his position, while the queen finished her dinner, never uttering another word and going back to her room the same way as she came.” (Memoirs of Casanova.)

[38].  “Under Louis XVI, who arose at seven or eight o’clock, the lever took place at half-past eleven unless hunting or ceremonies required it earlier.”  There is the same ceremonial at eleven, again in the evening on retiring, and also during the day, when he changes his boots. (D’Hézecque, 161.)

[39].  Warroquier, I. 94.  Compare corresponding detail under Louis XVI in Saint-Simon XIII. 88.

[40].  “Marie Antoinette,” by d’Arneth and Geffroy, II. 217.

[41].  In all changes of the coat the left arm of the king is appropriated by the wardrobe and the right arm to the “chambre.”

[42].  The queen breakfasts in bed, and “there are ten or twelve persons present at this first reception or entrée. . . " The grand receptions taking place at the dressing hour.  “This reception comprises the princes of the blood, the captains of the guards and most of the grand-officers.”  The same ceremony occurs with the chemise as with the king’s shirt.  One winter day Mme. Campan offers the chemise to the queen, when a lady of honor enters, removes her gloves and takes the chemise in her hands.  A movement at the door and the Duchess of Orleans comes in, takes off her gloves, and receives the chemise.  Another movement and it is the Comtesse d’Artois whose privilege it is to hand the chemise.  Meanwhile the queen sits there shivering with her arms crossed on her breast and muttering, “It is dreadful, what importunity! " (Mme. Campan, II. 217; III. 309-316).

[43].  “Marie Antoinette,” by d’Arneth and Geffroy, II. 223 (August 15, 1774).

[44].  Count D’Hézecques, ibid., p. 7.

[45].  Duc de Lauzun, “Mémoires,” 51. — Mme. de Genlis, “Mémoires,” ch.  XII.:  “Our husbands, regularly on that day (Saturday) slept at Versailles, to hunt the next day with the king.”