But in spite of the danger of the
situation, the noble face of the cardinal was completely
undisturbed, and his bearing princely. He appeared in his full
priestly array, substituting in place of the purple-red under-
garment one of violet, as cardinals do when they appear in mourning.
Over this he wore the short red cloak, and displayed all his orders;
the red stockings, the silk shoes with jewelled buckles, completed
his array. While entering, he raised his hands and gave his priestly
blessing to those who should judge him, and perhaps condemn him. He
then, in simple and dignified words, spoke as follows:
A relative of his, Madame de Boulainvillier, had, three years
before, brought a young woman to him, and requested him to maintain
her. She was of the most exalted lineage, the last in descent from
the earlier kings of France, of the family of Valois. She called
herself the Countess of Lamotte-Valois; her husband, the Count
Lamotte, was the royal sub-lieutenant in some little garrison city,
and his salary was not able to support them except meagrely. The
young lady was beautiful, intellectual, of noble manners, and it was
natural that the cardinal should interest himself in behalf of the
unfortunate daughter of the kings of France. He supported her for a
while, and after many exertions succeeded in obtaining a pension of
fifteen hundred francs from King Louis XVI.
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