I was greatly mistaken, perhaps, but such a thought was natural in looking at the countenance of Louis XV.
I reached a splendid room in which I saw several courtiers walking about, and a table large enough for twelve persons, but laid out only for one.
"For whom is this table ?" "For the queen.

Her majesty is now coming in." It was the queen of France, without rouge, and very simply dressed; her head was covered with a large cap; she looked old and devout.

When she was near the table, she graciously thanked two nuns who were placing a plate with fresh butter on it.

She sat down, and immediately the courtiers formed a semicircle within five yards of the table; I remained near them, imitating their respectful silence.
Her majesty began to eat without looking at anyone, keeping her eyes on her plate.

One of the dishes being to her taste, she desired to be helped to it a second time, and she then cast her eyes round the circle of courtiers, probably in order to see if among them there was anyone to whom she owed an account of her daintiness.